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Montague LA, Hespos S, Mackenzie E, Siette J. Parental acceptance of brain health programs for preschool children: a mixed-methods study exploring barriers, facilitators and future approaches. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1383270. [PMID: 38883200 PMCID: PMC11177877 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1383270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Recent research proposes that as much as 40% of dementia risk is amendable. Promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors in early life through educational methods can cultivate habits that may decrease dementia risk in later life. This study explores parental acceptance of brain health programs tailored for preschool children, aiming to identify barriers and facilitators affecting parental and child engagement. Methods Mixed-methods cross-sectional study. Urban and suburban parents (N = 187, M age = 37.3 SD = 5.53, range = 29) of children aged three to five years across Australia. Parents participated in an online survey containing both open and closed questions exploring their personal views and opinions on brain health programs for their preschool children. Descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression analyses, and thematic analysis were used to explore sociodemographic factors associated with parental program acceptance. Results Most participants accepted a brain health program with over 98% agreeing a program would be useful for their child(ren). Participants with younger aged children were more likely to exhibit acceptance of a program (β = -0.209, p = 0.007). Three main categories emerged: dual home and preschool environments, the need for engaging brain health programs that were hands-on and screen-free, and addressing key barriers such as time and financial constraints to support implementation. Conclusion Participants valued educating their children for a healthy life and viewed brain health programs favorably. This study contributes to early childhood education discussions, offering guidance for future generations' brain health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily A Montague
- The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Susan Hespos
- The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Erin Mackenzie
- School of Education, Western Sydney University, Kingswood, NSW, Australia
| | - Joyce Siette
- The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW, Australia
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Khatri S, Sharma R. Effective management of sedentary behavior among Indian university students: An empirical exploration into health-related behavior. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2024; 13:131. [PMID: 38784278 PMCID: PMC11114526 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_1489_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The past few years have witnessed a notable rise in sedentary tendencies, unveiling a modern era of prolonged stillness and diminished physical engagement. This study sought to assess the feasibility of a digital health intervention (DHI) to reduce overall sedentary behavior among university students. The study also identifies distinct subgroups within Indian universities that exhibit a heightened propensity for engaging in unhealthy behaviors. MATERIALS AND METHODS The research design used was a quasi-experimental (pre-post) design. A total of 500 participants were selected using a simple randomized sampling method (250 belonging to the control group and 250 belonging to the experimental group). These participants actively engaged in the study for 2 weeks. The participants completed the Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ) before the intervention to evaluate their level of sedentary behavior. To evaluate the impact of the intervention on subjectively measured sedentary behavior, statistical analyses were conducted using the paired-samples t-test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with the post hoc Bonferroni test. RESULTS The findings demonstrated a significant t-value of sedentary behavior for the entire group, with t(249) = 4.88, P < .05. Furthermore, the F-value of 28.787 indicated a statistically significant difference in the sedentary behavior between the experimental and control groups. When considering female university students specifically, the t-value for sedentary behavior was significant at t(105) = 3.22, P < .05, and for male university students, the t-value for sedentary behavior was found to be significant at t(143) = 3.69, P < .05. CONCLUSION Smartphone-based health interventions targeting sedentary behavior reduction demonstrated promising outcomes in facilitating health behavior change among university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somya Khatri
- School of Liberal Studies, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Raisan, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Ritu Sharma
- School of Liberal Studies, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Raisan, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
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Jiang S, Ng JYY, Chong KH, Peng B, Ha AS. Effects of eHealth Interventions on 24-Hour Movement Behaviors Among Preschoolers: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e52905. [PMID: 38381514 PMCID: PMC10918543 DOI: 10.2196/52905] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high prevalence of unhealthy movement behaviors among young children remains a global public health issue. eHealth is considered a cost-effective approach that holds great promise for enhancing health and related behaviors. However, previous research on eHealth interventions aimed at promoting behavior change has primarily focused on adolescents and adults, leaving a limited body of evidence specifically pertaining to preschoolers. OBJECTIVE This review aims to examine the effectiveness of eHealth interventions in promoting 24-hour movement behaviors, specifically focusing on improving physical activity (PA) and sleep duration and reducing sedentary behavior among preschoolers. In addition, we assessed the moderating effects of various study characteristics on intervention effectiveness. METHODS We searched 6 electronic databases (PubMed, Ovid, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) for experimental studies with a randomization procedure that examined the effectiveness of eHealth interventions on 24-hour movement behaviors among preschoolers aged 2 to 6 years in February 2023. The study outcomes included PA, sleep duration, and sedentary time. A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the pooled effect using a random-effects model, and subgroup analyses were conducted to explore the potential effects of moderating factors such as intervention duration, intervention type, and risk of bias (ROB). The included studies underwent a rigorous ROB assessment using the Cochrane ROB tool. Moreover, the certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) assessment. RESULTS Of the 7191 identified records, 19 (0.26%) were included in the systematic review. The meta-analysis comprised a sample of 2971 preschoolers, which was derived from 13 included studies. Compared with the control group, eHealth interventions significantly increased moderate to vigorous PA (Hedges g=0.16, 95% CI 0.03-0.30; P=.02) and total PA (Hedges g=0.37, 95% CI 0.02-0.72; P=.04). In addition, eHealth interventions significantly reduced sedentary time (Hedges g=-0.15, 95% CI -0.27 to -0.02; P=.02) and increased sleep duration (Hedges g=0.47, 95% CI 0.18-0.75; P=.002) immediately after the intervention. However, no significant moderating effects were observed for any of the variables assessed (P>.05). The quality of evidence was rated as "moderate" for moderate to vigorous intensity PA and sedentary time outcomes and "low" for sleep outcomes. CONCLUSIONS eHealth interventions may be a promising strategy to increase PA, improve sleep, and reduce sedentary time among preschoolers. To effectively promote healthy behaviors in early childhood, it is imperative for future studies to prioritize the development of rigorous comparative trials with larger sample sizes. In addition, researchers should thoroughly examine the effects of potential moderators. There is also a pressing need to comprehensively explore the long-term effects resulting from these interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022365003; http://tinyurl.com/3nnfdwh3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Jiang
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Johan Y Y Ng
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Kar Hau Chong
- School of Health and Society and Early Start, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Bo Peng
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Amy S Ha
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
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Simard L, Bouchard J, Lavallière M, Chevrette T. Promoting physical activity and academic achievement through physically active learning: Qualitative perspectives of co-design and implementation processes. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294422. [PMID: 37992080 PMCID: PMC10664963 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This article discussed the issue of low PA levels among school-aged children and highlights the promising approach of school-based interventions, including physically active learning (PAL), to increase PA levels. The study aimed to co-design and to assess the implementation of a PAL program for 8 weeks in 4 elementary classrooms (82 students and 7 teachers), emphasizing the potential of integrating PA with academic learning and the importance of co-designing programs with teachers to maximize their effectiveness. Technology was found to support PAL practices in promoting PA and academic achievement. The study underscores the need for further research to explore the societal implications of PAL programs, including their potential to improve the health and well-being of children while promoting positive academic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie Simard
- Centre Intersectoriel en Santé Durable, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Saguenay, Canada
- Laboratoire BioNR, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Saguenay, Canada
- Observatoire du Développement Moteur et Psychomoteurs des 0–18 ans, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Saguenay, Canada
| | - Julie Bouchard
- Centre Intersectoriel en Santé Durable, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Saguenay, Canada
- Laboratoire BioNR, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Saguenay, Canada
| | - Martin Lavallière
- Centre Intersectoriel en Santé Durable, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Saguenay, Canada
- Laboratoire BioNR, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Saguenay, Canada
| | - Tommy Chevrette
- Centre Intersectoriel en Santé Durable, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Saguenay, Canada
- Observatoire du Développement Moteur et Psychomoteurs des 0–18 ans, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Saguenay, Canada
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Zeng N, Ye S, Mena N. Editorial: The use of digital technologies in the promotion of children's health. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1304068. [PMID: 37928347 PMCID: PMC10623422 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1304068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zeng
- Prevention Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Sunyue Ye
- Department of Preschool Education, Pinghu Normal College, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Noereem Mena
- Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems, College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, United States
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Kötting L, Derksen C, Keller FM, Lippke S. Comparing the Effectiveness of a Web-Based Application With a Digital Live Seminar to Improve Safe Communication for Pregnant Women: 3-Group Partially Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2023; 6:e44701. [PMID: 37486755 PMCID: PMC10407768 DOI: 10.2196/44701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical internet interventions such as asynchronous apps and synchronous digital live seminars can be effective behavior change interventions. The research question of this study was whether digital interventions based on the Health Action Process Approach can improve pregnant women's safe communication and patient safety in obstetric care. OBJECTIVE This study aims to compare a digital live seminar with a web-based application intervention and a passive control group and to identify which social cognitive variables determine safe communication behavior and patient safety. METHODS In total, 657 pregnant women were recruited, and hereof, 367 expectant mothers from 2 German university hospitals participated in the pre-post study (live seminar: n=142; web-based app: n=81; passive control group: n=144). All interventions targeted intention, planning, self-efficacy, and communication of personal preferences. The 2.5-hour midwife-assisted live seminar included exercises on empathy and clear communication. The fully automated web-based application consisted of 9 consecutive training lessons with the same content as that of the live seminar. RESULTS Controlled for sociodemographic characteristics, repeated measures analyses of covariance revealed that pregnant women significantly improved their self-reported communication behavior in all groups. The improvement was more pronounced after the digital live seminar than after the web-based application (P<.001; ηp2=0.043). Perceived patient safety improved more for pregnant women participating in the live seminar than for those participating in the web-based application group (P=.03 ηp2=0.015). A regression analysis revealed that social cognitive variables predicted safe communication behavior. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the web-based application intervention appeared to be less effective than the digital live training in terms of communication behavior. Application interventions addressing communication behaviors might require more face-to-face elements. Improving intention, coping planning, and coping self-efficacy appeared to be key drivers in developing safe communication behavior in pregnant women. Future research should include social learning aspects and focus on the practical application of medical internet interventions when aiming to improve pregnant women's communication and patient safety in obstetrics. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03855735; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03855735.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Kötting
- Psychology & Methods, Constructor University, Bremen, Germany
| | | | | | - Sonia Lippke
- Psychology & Methods, Constructor University, Bremen, Germany
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Flynn RJ, Pringle A, Roscoe CMP. Direct Parent Engagement to Improve Fundamental Movement Skills in Children: A Systematic Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1247. [PMID: 37508744 PMCID: PMC10378247 DOI: 10.3390/children10071247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Fundamental movement skills (FMS) are basic movements in children that represent the building blocks for more complex motor skill development and act as a prerequisite for enduring sport and physical activity (PA) engagement and positive health-related behaviours. The FMS proficiency is currently inadequate worldwide, and consequently there are alarming levels of inactivity and childhood obesity. However, parents are role models to their children and possess the power to influence their PA behaviour. This review investigated if parent-focused interventions could improve FMS in 2-7-year-old children and evaluated which setting and method of parent engagement was most impactful. Keyword searches were conducted via Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Only nine articles met the inclusion criteria. No research originated from the United Kingdom, highlighting the urgent need for further FMS interventions involving parents. The FMS improved in all nine studies, with significant changes in seven of the articles (p < 0.05). Parent-child co-activity, the education and empowerment of parents, and the provision of clear FMS guidance, messaging, and structure can positively influence children's FMS. Recently, smartphone apps have increased the feasibility and accessibility of FMS practice at home and may be integral to future interventions. Further research with direct parental involvement is clearly warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Flynn
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Research Centre, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
| | - Andy Pringle
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Research Centre, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
| | - Clare M P Roscoe
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Research Centre, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
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Reyes LI, Johnson SL, Chamberlin B, Bellows LL. Engaging Preschoolers in Food Tasting and Movement Activities Using Mobile Applications. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2023; 55:77-80. [PMID: 36151001 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ligia I Reyes
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Susan L Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Barbara Chamberlin
- Innovative Media Research and Extension, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
| | - Laura L Bellows
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.
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An Intervention Pattern of Family Parent-Child Physical Activity Based on a Smartphone App for Preschool Children during COVID-19. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:2777079. [PMID: 36046455 PMCID: PMC9424017 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2777079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective Children's lifestyles, behaviors, and educational activities were affected by COVID-19. The preschool children struggled with the challenge of learning at home and avoiding a rapid decrease in physical activity (PA). This study tested the effectiveness of a family-based intervention that integrated the family and preschool based on a smartphone app to improve the moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and physical fitness of preschool children during COVID-19. Methods This 8-week study was conducted using a quasiexperimental pre- and posttest design with a comparison group. A total of 66 pairs of preschool children (30 boys) and their parents and 44 preschool children (24 boys) and their parents composed the experimental group (EG) and the control group (CG), respectively. PA was measured using a GENEActiv waveform triaxial accelerometer. Children's physical fitness was assessed using a battery test from the Chinese National Measurement Standards on People's Physical Fitness for preschool children. Results Preschool children and their parents in the EG participated in less sedentary (p < 0.01) and more light PA (p < 0.01) and MVPA (p < 0.01) compared with those in the CG at the late PA assessment. The EG significantly improved the mean performance of tennis ball throw (p < 0.05), balance beam walk (p < 0.01), and continuous jumping on both feet (p < 0.01) compared to the CG. Conclusions The family parent-child PA intervention based on a smartphone app can effectively increase the MVPA of preschool children and their parents, reduce sedentary time, and improve preschool children's physical fitness. Overall, the family parent-child PA intervention model based on a smartphone app for preschool children designed in this study is feasible and effective.
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