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Ahmed KR, Kolbe-Alexander T, Khan A. Efficacy of a school-based education intervention on the consumption of fruits, vegetables and carbonated soft drinks among adolescents. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:3112-3121. [PMID: 37781771 PMCID: PMC10755403 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023002094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy of a school-based education intervention on the consumption of fruit, vegetables and carbonated soft drinks among adolescents. DESIGN Cluster-randomised controlled trial. SETTING Eight secondary schools from Dhaka, Bangladesh, participated in this trial and were randomly allocated to intervention (n 160) and control groups (n 160). PARTICIPANTS A total of 320 students from 8th to 9th grades participated and completed the self-reported questionnaires at baseline, and at 8 and 12 weeks. The intervention included weekly classroom-based nutrition education sessions for students and healthy eating materials for students and parents. Repeated measures ANCOVA was used to assess the effects of the intervention. RESULTS Daily fresh fruit intake was more frequent in the intervention (26 %) compared to the control group (3 %) at 12 weeks (p = 0·006). Participants from the intervention group also reported a significantly (P < 0·001) higher (49 %) proportion of fresh vegetable intake compared to the control group (2 %) at 12 weeks. Frequency of daily carbonated soft drinks intake decreased (25 %) in the intervention group at 12 weeks compared to baseline, while it remained unchanged in the control group; the interaction effect was observed significant (P = 0·002). CONCLUSION Our school-based education intervention increased the daily frequency of fresh vegetables and fruit intake and decreased carbonated soft drink consumption among adolescents in the intervention group. There is a need for scaling up the intervention to engage students and empower them to develop healthy dietary habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazi R Ahmed
- Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences, Darus Salam, Mirpur, Dhaka1216, Bangladesh
- School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tracy Kolbe-Alexander
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Australia
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Asaduzzaman Khan
- School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Shatwan IM, Alhefani RS, Bukhari MF, Hanbazazah DA, Srour JK, Surendran S, Aljefree NM, Almoraie NM. Effects of a Smartphone App on Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Among Saudi Adolescents: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2023; 6:e43160. [PMID: 36757770 PMCID: PMC9951076 DOI: 10.2196/43160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dietary patterns and nutritional status during adolescence have a direct effect on future health outcomes. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to promote fruit and vegetable intake among adolescents using a smartphone app called MyPlate. METHODS This randomized intervention study was conducted in an urban area of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. We included 104 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years, who were randomized into intervention (n=55) or control (n=49) arms. We examined the effects of MyPlate on fruit and vegetable intake over 6 weeks in the intervention group. Pre- and postintervention questionnaires were used in the intervention and control groups. RESULTS The control group showed a significant increase in fruit consumption scores between baseline (1.15, SD 0.68) and postintervention (1.64, SD 0.98; P=.01), but no significant difference in vegetable consumption scores was observed before (1.44, SD 0.97) and after intervention (1.55, SD 0.90; P=.54). However, there was no significant difference between scores at baseline and after 6 weeks of using the smartphone app for fruit (1.48, SD 0.99 and 1.70, SD 1.11, respectively; P=.31) or vegetables (1.50, SD 0.97 and 1.43, SD 1.03, respectively; P=.30) in the intervention group. Our findings showed no significant impact of using a smartphone app on fruit and vegetable consumption. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that a smartphone app did not significantly improve fruit and vegetable intake among adolescents. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05692765; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05692765.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israa M Shatwan
- Food and Nutrition Department, Human Sciences and Design Faculty, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rabab S Alhefani
- Food and Nutrition Department, Human Sciences and Design Faculty, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mawadah F Bukhari
- Food and Nutrition Department, Human Sciences and Design Faculty, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Danah A Hanbazazah
- Food and Nutrition Department, Human Sciences and Design Faculty, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jumanah K Srour
- Food and Nutrition Department, Human Sciences and Design Faculty, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shelini Surendran
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Najlaa M Aljefree
- Food and Nutrition Department, Human Sciences and Design Faculty, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noha M Almoraie
- Food and Nutrition Department, Human Sciences and Design Faculty, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Ismail MR, Seabrook JA, Gilliland JA. Outcome evaluation of fruits and vegetables distribution interventions in schools: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Public Health Nutr 2021; 24:4693-4705. [PMID: 33866997 PMCID: PMC10195380 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980021001683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fruits and vegetables (FV) distribution interventions have been implemented as a public health strategy to increase children's intake of FV at school settings. The purpose of this review was to examine whether snack-based FV distribution interventions can improve school-aged children's consumption of FV. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis of articles published in English, in a peer-reviewed journals, were identified by searching six databases up to August 2020. Standardised mean differences (SMD) and 95 % CI were calculated using a random effects model. Heterogeneity was quantified using I2 statistics. SETTING Population-based studies of interventions where the main focus was the effectiveness of distributed FV as snacks to schoolchildren in North America, Europe and Pacific were included. RESULTS Forty-seven studies, reporting on fifteen different interventions, were identified; ten studies were included in the meta-analysis. All interventions were effective in increasing children's consumption of FV, with only one intervention demonstrating a null effect. Pooled results under all classifications showed effectiveness in improving children's consumption of FV, particularly for multi-component interventions at post-intervention (SMD 0·20, 95 % CI 0·13, 0·27) and free distribution interventions at follow-up (SMD 0·19, 95 % CI 0·12, 0·27). CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that FV distribution interventions provide a promising avenue by which children's consumption can be improved. Nonetheless, our results are based on a limited number of studies, and further studies should be performed to confirm these results. More consistent measurement protocols in terms of rigorous study methodologies, intervention duration and follow-up evaluation are needed to improve comparability across studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam R Ismail
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jamie A Seabrook
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College; Department of Pediatrics, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Western University; Children’s Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jason A Gilliland
- Department of Geography & Environment, School of Health Studies, Department of Pediatrics, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Western University; Children’s Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ONN6A 3K7, Canada
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Zafar TA, Alkazemi D. Correlates of food intake and mealtime behaviors among Kuwaiti adolescents. Int J Adolesc Med Health 2021; 34:19-30. [PMID: 34293836 DOI: 10.1515/ijamh-2021-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Eating meals with the family improves the food choices of adolescents. Studies conducted on Kuwaiti adolescents have reported suboptimal dietary intake; however, it is unclear what meal-related behaviors and family dynamics influence dietary choices in young Kuwaiti adolescents. This study explored the food intake and meal-related behaviors of young adolescents in relation to their mother's educational level, parental employment, and family size and to identify meal-related behaviors associated with poor dietary choices. CONTENT A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a modified and validated version of the International Health Behavior in School Children questionnaire recruiting 774 adolescents aged 14-16 years from all six governorates of Kuwait. SUMMARY A higher level of the mother's education was associated with higher odds of eating fruits and breakfast. A stay-at-home mother was associated with higher odds of consuming milk and home-made desserts. Larger family size was associated with higher odds of eating fruits, and a higher frequency of family meals was associated with higher odds of consuming vegetables and whole grain bread. All unhealthy snacks, including sweets, potato chips, french fries, home-made desserts, and sugar-sweetened beverages, were associated with higher odds of watching TV during mealtime. OUTLOOK A higher level of mother's education level, large family size, and family meals encouraged consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grain bread, milk, and breakfast, but consuming empty calorie snacks is very common. Family involvement in developing healthy meal-related behaviors is imperative for shaping healthy eating habits of adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasleem A Zafar
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Life Sciences, Kuwait University, Shadadiya, Kuwait
| | - Dalal Alkazemi
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Life Sciences, Kuwait University, Shadadiya, Kuwait
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Srivastav P, K V, Bhat VH, Broadbent S. Structured, multifactorial randomised controlled intervention to investigate physical activity levels, body composition and diet in obese and overweight adolescents. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e044895. [PMID: 33753442 PMCID: PMC7986955 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There has been a steep increase in the prevalence of adolescent overweight and obesity globally and in India, demonstrating that present prevention strategies are insufficient. Available evidence suggests that multifactorial interventions may improve short-term physical activity (PA), nutrition and psychological behaviour of overweight and obese adolescents but long-term follow-ups and strategies are needed. This study will investigate the effects of a structured multifactorial (school-based and family-based) intervention on adolescent obesity, compared with a single or no intervention. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A pragmatic, clustered randomised controlled trial with 12 weeks of interventions and 3-month, 6-month and 12-month follow-ups will be conducted at multiple participating schools in Karnataka, India. The participants will be overweight and obese male and female adolescents aged 11-16 years and will be randomly assigned by school into three groups: group A (multifactorial intervention, exercise and dietary advice); group B (exercise only); and group C (controls, no interventions). Primary outcome measures are the level of PA and body composition. Secondary outcomes are dietary change, behaviour change, food behaviours, cardiovascular and muscular fitness, quality of life, parental behaviours (physical and mental) and family functioning. Positive intervention results may reduce obesity in adolescents and promote a healthier lifestyle for students and families. A larger, culturally diverse population can benefit from a similar methodology. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study has been approved by the Institutional Research and Ethics Committee (IEC 536-2018), Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, Udupi District, Karnataka, India. A written and verbal informed consent (supplemental material) will be provided to the participants prior to participation. On completion of the trial, the results can be communicated to adolescents and their parents on request, and will be published at national and international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER CTRI/2019/04/018834.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prateek Srivastav
- Physiotherapy, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Vaishali K
- Physiotherapy, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Vinod H Bhat
- Department of Community Medicine, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Suzanne Broadbent
- School of Health & Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland, Australia
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Ismail MR, Seabrook JA, Gilliland JA. Process evaluation of fruit and vegetables distribution interventions in school-based settings: A systematic review. Prev Med Rep 2020; 21:101281. [PMID: 33364152 PMCID: PMC7753971 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2020.101281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Assesses how school fruit & vegetable distribution interventions are implemented. Child fruit & vegetable intake is influenced by how intervention is implemented. Recommendations for implementing fruit & vegetable interventions in schools. Studies should also consider sustainability, cost-effectiveness and implementation.
Despite the importance of process evaluation in program evaluations, research has focused primarily on the effectiveness of fruit and vegetables (FVs) distribution interventions on children’s consumption, with little attention given to how these interventions achieve their outcomes. Five bibliographic databases (Embase, PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection) were searched in June 2019 for studies of interventions where the main focus was the implementation of distributed FVs to school-aged children as a snack. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool was used to appraise the risk of bias within included studies. Data were extracted based on study characteristics and findings. Results identified 24 studies reporting on 11 interventions and 1 policy. The findings of this systematic review indicate that the majority of the studies included limited references to implementation research. Recurring limitations include an absence of an evaluation theoretical framework and the data collection methods used. Also, several factors were identified as informing the success of snack-based FVs distribution programs, including participation of the school community, school characteristics, background knowledge, and parental engagement. Lack of timely FVs delivery, limited funding, inadequate awareness about the program, insufficient teachers’ time, and food waste were identified as challenges to successful programming. Findings indicate that distributing FVs to school-aged children as a snack can increase their consumption, but only with proper implementation. Further evaluative research is required to better inform future implementation of snack-based FV distribution interventions in school settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam R Ismail
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jamie A Seabrook
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Brescia University College, Department of Paediatrics, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason A Gilliland
- Department of Geography, School of Health Studies, Department of Paediatrics, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, Children's Health Research Institute, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
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Øvrebø B, Stea TH, Te Velde SJ, Bjelland M, Klepp KI, Bere E. A comprehensive multicomponent school-based educational intervention did not affect fruit and vegetable intake at the 14-year follow-up. Prev Med 2019; 121:79-85. [PMID: 30753861 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2019.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Revised: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The intake of fruit and vegetables is associated with beneficial health outcomes, and studies aimed at increasing fruit and vegetable intake lack long-term follow-up. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term (14-year) effects of a multicomponent school-based educational intervention targeted to increase fruit and vegetable intake in children. The secondary objective was to evaluate the potential synergistic effect between free school fruit and the educational program. A cluster randomized school-based intervention was initiated in 2001 in Norway, known as the Fruit and Vegetable Make the Marks study. In total, 38 schools were randomized; for the intervention (n = 18) and as control schools (n = 20). A subsample of the intervention schools (n = 9) were additionally given free school fruit, resulting in two intervention groups - one with and one without free fruit. Participants completed questionnaires in September 2001 (baseline, mean age 11.8), May 2002 (at the end of the intervention), May 2003, May 2005, September 2009 and throughout 2016 (mean age 26.5). Of 1950 participants, 982 (50.4%) completed the 14-year follow-up and were considered as the current study sample. Analysis yielded no 14-year effects of the educational program on fruit and vegetable intake. A synergistic effect between the educational program and free fruit was not observed either. Future studies might benefit from increased focus on more extensive parental involvement, increased home availability, and a longer intervention period. However, more long-term studies are needed to evaluate the effects of school-based interventions into adulthood. Trial registration number: Ethical approval and research clearance was obtained from The National Committees for Research Ethics in Norway (file number S-01076) and The Norwegian Centre for Research Data (file number 12395).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bente Øvrebø
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, Department of Public Health, Sport and Nutrition, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway.
| | - Tonje H Stea
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, Department of Public Health, Sport and Nutrition, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway.
| | - Saskia J Te Velde
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, Department of Public Health, Sport and Nutrition, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Mona Bjelland
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Knut-Inge Klepp
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Elling Bere
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, Department of Public Health, Sport and Nutrition, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway; Department of Health and Inequalities & Centre for Evaluation of Public Health Measures, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
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Bonde AH, Stjernqvist NW, Sabinsky MS, Maindal HT. Process evaluation of implementation fidelity in a Danish health-promoting school intervention. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:1407. [PMID: 30587179 PMCID: PMC6307196 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-6289-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND "We Act" is a health-promoting school intervention comprising an educational, a parental and a school component. The intervention was implemented in 4 Danish public schools with 4 control schools. The objectives were to improve pupils' dietary habits, physical activity, well-being and social capital using the Investigation, Vision, Action & Change (IVAC) health educational methodology. The target group was pupils in grades 5-6. The purpose of this study was to evaluate implementation fidelity and interacting context factors in the intervention schools. METHODS The Medical Research Council's new guidance for process evaluation was used as a framework. Data were collected concurrently and evenly at the 4 intervention schools through field visits (n = 43 days), questionnaires (n = 17 teachers, 52 parents), and interviews (n = 9 teachers, 4 principals, 52 pupils). The data were analysed separately and via triangulation. RESULTS A total of 289 pupils participated, and 22 teachers delivered the educational component in 12 classes. In all schools, the implementation fidelity to the educational methodology was high for the Investigation and Vision phases as the teachers delivered the proposed lessons and activities. However, the implementation fidelity to the Action & Change phase was low, and little change occurred in the schools. The pupils' presentation of their visions did not work as intended as an impact mechanism to prompt actions. The implementation of the parental and the school components was weak. The main context factors influencing implementation fidelity were a poor fit into the school-year plan and weak management support. CONCLUSIONS Although 'We Act' was designed to comply with evidence- and theory-based requirements, IVAC and the health-promoting school approach did not result in change. The time dedicated to schools' preparation and competence development may have been too low. This must be considered in future process evaluation research on health-promoting schools and by school health promotion administrators when planning future school interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN85203017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane Høstgaard Bonde
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Health Promotion, Niels Steensensvej 6, 2820, Gentofte, Denmark.
| | - Nanna Wurr Stjernqvist
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Health Promotion, Niels Steensensvej 6, 2820, Gentofte, Denmark.,Division of Nutrition and Risk Assessment, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 2, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Marianne S Sabinsky
- Division for Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 2, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Helle Terkildsen Maindal
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Health Promotion, Niels Steensensvej 6, 2820, Gentofte, Denmark.,Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 1, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
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Trude ACB, Kharmats AY, Jones-Smith JC, Gittelsohn J. Exposure to a multi-level multi-component childhood obesity prevention community-randomized controlled trial: patterns, determinants, and implications. Trials 2018; 19:287. [PMID: 29788977 PMCID: PMC5964684 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-018-2663-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For community interventions to be effective in real-world conditions, participants need to have sufficient exposure to the intervention. It is unclear how the dose and intensity of the intervention differ among study participants in low-income areas. We aimed to understand patterns of exposure to different components of a multi-level multi-component obesity prevention program to inform our future impact analyses. METHODS B'more Healthy Communities for Kids (BHCK) was a community-randomized controlled trial implemented in 28 low-income zones in Baltimore in two rounds (waves). Exposure to three different intervention components (corner store/carryout restaurants, social media/text messaging, and youth-led nutrition education) was assessed via post-intervention interviews with 385 low-income urban youths and their caregivers. Exposure scores were generated based on self-reported viewing of BHCK materials (posters, handouts, educational displays, and social media posts) and participating in activities, including taste tests during the intervention. For each intervention component, points were assigned for exposure to study materials and activities, then scaled (0-1 range), yielding an overall BHCK exposure score [youths: mean 1.1 (range 0-7.6 points); caregivers: 1.1 (0-6.7), possible highest score: 13]. Ordered logit regression analyses were used to investigate correlates of youths' and caregivers' exposure level (quartile of exposure). RESULTS Mean intervention exposure scores were significantly higher for intervention than comparison youths (mean 1.6 vs 0.5, p < 0.001) and caregivers (mean 1.6 vs 0.6, p < 0.001). However, exposure scores were low in both groups and 10% of the comparison group was moderately exposed to the intervention. For each 1-year increase in age, there was a 33% lower odds of being highly exposed to the intervention (odds ratio 0.77, 95% confidence interval 0.69; 0.88) in the unadjusted and adjusted model controlling for youths' sex and household income. CONCLUSION Treatment effects may be attenuated in community-based trials, as participants may be differentially exposed to intervention components and the comparison group may also be exposed. Exposure should be measured to provide context to impact evaluations in multi-level trials. Future analyses linking exposure scores to the outcome should control for potential confounders in the treatment-on-the-treated approach, while recognizing that confounding and selection bias may exist affecting causal inference. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02181010 . Retrospectively registered on 2 July 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Cristina Bizzotto Trude
- Global Obesity Prevention Center and Center for Human Nutrition, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Anna Yevgenyevna Kharmats
- Global Obesity Prevention Center and Center for Human Nutrition, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Jessica C Jones-Smith
- Nutritional Sciences Program, University of Washington School of Public Health University of Washington, 353410, 306B Raitt Hall, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Joel Gittelsohn
- Global Obesity Prevention Center and Center for Human Nutrition, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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