KnowHow Program for Health Behaviors

Overseen By Laura L Bellows, PhD, MPH, RDN

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Cornell University

Disqualifiers: Child disability, Limited technology access, Non-English speakers

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 10 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to evaluate how effectively the KnowHow Program helps families with young children adopt healthier eating and physical activity habits. The program lasts 10 weeks and includes a mobile app, virtual group discussions, and child-focused materials. It suits families with preschoolers (ages 3-5) who have no health issues affecting eating or activity, and where parents have access to a smartphone and reliable internet.

As an unphased trial, this study provides families the chance to participate in innovative research that could positively influence their lifestyle habits.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that the KnowHow Program is safe for families of young children?

Research has shown that digital health programs like the KnowHow Program are generally safe for families. These programs promote healthy eating and exercise habits without involving medication or medical procedures, which typically reduces risks.

As a digital program, it is user-friendly for most people. Participants engage through a mobile app and online group discussions. Since this method does not physically affect the body, it is considered safe for most individuals. Studies of similar programs have not reported any negative effects. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

The KnowHow Program is unique because it combines a custom mobile app, virtual group discussions, and child-centered support materials to change health behaviors, offering a more interactive and comprehensive approach than traditional methods. Unlike standard treatments that might rely heavily on in-person therapy sessions or printed materials, KnowHow's digital platform allows for flexible access and engagement, potentially increasing adherence and effectiveness. Researchers are excited about this program because it leverages technology to provide personalized support, which could lead to more sustainable behavior changes in families.

What evidence suggests that the KnowHow Program is effective for promoting healthy eating and activity behaviors?

Research has shown that programs like the KnowHow Program, which participants in this trial may receive, can help improve health habits. Health and wellness coaching, a similar approach, has also encouraged healthier lifestyles. One study found that six different programs led to better health habits compared to non-participating groups. These programs often increase health knowledge and create supportive social environments, both crucial for maintaining healthy changes. Therefore, the KnowHow Program is expected to help families eat better and be more active. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Laura L Bellows, PhD

Principal Investigator

Cornell University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for families with young children who are interested in improving their preschoolers' nutrition and activity levels. Specific eligibility criteria have not been provided, so it's best to contact the study organizers for detailed requirements.

Inclusion Criteria

Adult participants must have access to a smartphone, reliable internet at home, and can make video calls

I have a preschool-aged child (3-5 years) with typical eating and activity habits.

Exclusion Criteria

Technology access is limited

I can communicate in a language other than English.

I do not have a child aged 3-5, or my child has a condition affecting their eating and activity.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Initial assessments of theoretical mediators and behavioral outcomes are conducted

1 week

1 visit (virtual)

Treatment

Participants engage in the 10-week KnowHow digital intervention program

10 weeks

Weekly virtual group discussions

Post-Test Assessment

Final assessments of theoretical mediators and behavioral outcomes are conducted

1 week

1 visit (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for engagement and intention to sustain behaviors post-intervention

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• KnowHow Program

Trial Overview The Know-How program, a digital intervention lasting 10 weeks, is being tested. It aims to encourage healthy eating habits and physical activities among preschool-aged children through family engagement.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: KnowHow Program Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Families will participate in the 10-week KnowHow program and will receive/participate in 1) a custom mobile application (app), 2) virtual group discussions, and 3) child-centered support materials

Group II: Wait List Active Control 1 Intervention

Families will not receive any intervention during the 10-week study. Families will receive access to the KnowHow app only for 10 weeks at the conclusion of the study.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Cornell University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

179

Recruited

14,090,000+

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Collaborator

Trials

103

Recruited

287,000+

University of Colorado, Denver

Collaborator

Trials

1,842

Recruited

3,028,000+

Citations

1. commonfund.nih.gov commonfund.nih.gov/behaviorchange

Science of Behavior Change (SOBC) The Science of Behavior Change (SOBC) program used a systematic approach to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms that would drive behavior ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2542454824000225

Supporting Sustainable Health Behavior Change Health and wellness coaching (HWC) is a behavior change intervention with rapidly accruing evidence of positive impact on health behaviors.

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9516219/

Effectiveness of interventions to improve health behaviours ... Six interventions observed significant improvements in the health behaviour in the intervention compared with control groups.

4. link.springer.com link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40615-025-02420-x

Two-Year Outcomes for the Active and Healthy Families ... Our study aims to assess the 2-year outcomes and explore the potential mechanisms of behavior change, along with the barriers to sustaining those behaviors.

5. nwhjournal.org nwhjournal.org/article/S1751-4851(21)00243-9/fulltext

A Lifestyle Intervention Program to Improve Knowledge ... The program aims to improve health knowledge, facilitate healthy behaviors, and provide social support for women using the BE WISE curriculum, ...

6. mass.gov mass.gov/health-behaviors-data

Health Behaviors Data Health behaviors account for approximately 30% of health outcomes, but being healthy is about more than simply wanting to make healthy choices. Our health today ...

7. hcai.ca.gov hcai.ca.gov/data/healthcare-quality/hospital-equity-measures-reporting-program/hospital-equity-data-toolkit/

Hospital Equity Data Toolkit This webpage includes tools that hospitals and providers can use to improve equity in healthcare and participate in HCAI's Hospital Equity Measures Program.

8. doh.wa.gov doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/behavioral-health-support-specialist

Behavioral Health Support Specialist We can help you apply for a certification and learn about fees. Verify certification requirements, practicum information, and more.

9. lvhn.org lvhn.org/medical-services/psychiatry-behavioral-health

Psychiatry (Behavioral Health) Your behavioral health is just as important to your overall well-being as your physical health. Mental conditions are real and can be life-threatening, ...

10. manisteemariners.org manisteemariners.org/maps-behavioral-health-services/

MAPS Behavioral Health Services Manistee Community Need. MAPS Behavioral Health Services focuses on some of the most vulnerable residents of Manistee County – students and senior citizens.