mHealth Tool for Childhood Obesity
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a web-based tool designed to help children improve their eating habits and manage their weight. The researchers aim to determine if children using this tool show greater improvements in body measurements and eating behaviors over a year compared to those receiving general health newsletters. The trial is open to Black/African-American and Latino children aged 8-12 who have at least a healthy weight and regular internet access. Parents must also participate and be involved in their child's food choices. This trial presents a valuable opportunity for families seeking to make healthier lifestyle changes together. As an unphased trial, it offers families a unique chance to participate in innovative research focused on enhancing children's health and well-being.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it excludes children taking medications with side effects that might affect participation.
What prior data suggests that this mHealth tool is safe for children?
Research has shown that online tools, such as interactive comics and newsletters, effectively share health messages to help reduce childhood obesity risk. Past studies tested these tools with children and their parents, and reports indicate they are generally well-received without significant side effects.
Teaching straightforward health facts and tips, known as didactic health information, is common in educational settings. This method is usually safe and poses no risks, as it focuses on sharing knowledge rather than administering medication.
Therefore, both the online tools and the straightforward health information used in this study are considered safe based on past research. Participants typically handle these methods well without major issues.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores innovative ways to promote healthy dietary behaviors in children using technology. Unlike traditional methods, which often rely solely on educational materials, this trial introduces a web-based comic and interactive tool that engages families in a fun and interactive way. The experimental group uses Intervention INC, a family-centered platform that encourages healthy eating habits with a theory-guided approach. These digital tools aim to make learning about nutrition more engaging and accessible, potentially leading to better adoption and lasting lifestyle changes among children and their families.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for childhood obesity?
Research shows that clear health information can boost knowledge and confidence in managing obesity. Previous studies found that educational sessions helped medical students and pediatricians better understand and address child obesity. In this trial, the experimental group will access Intervention INC, a theory-guided, interactive, family-centered web-based tool promoting healthy dietary behaviors. The comparison group will access web-based newsletters focused on promoting healthy dietary behaviors. Previous studies have shown that web-based comics and newsletters effectively engage children and parents. One study discovered that interactive comics helped lower obesity risk among preteens, especially in minority communities. These tools use engaging stories and characters to promote healthy eating habits. Together, these strategies aim to improve BMI (a measure of body fat based on height and weight) and encourage healthier eating choices in children.16789
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for Black/African-American and/or Latino preadolescents aged 9-12 who are overweight or obese, can read and speak English, have regular internet access, and a parent/guardian willing to participate. They must be comfortable with digital content and discussions with study staff.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline
Eligible participants are randomized to either the experimental group or comparison group
Intervention
Experimental group receives access to Intervention INC; comparison group receives web-based newsletters
Maintenance
Continued access to intervention tools for both groups
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in BMI z-score and dietary behaviors
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Didactic health information
- Web-based comic and newsletters
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Tufts University
Lead Sponsor
Washington University School of Medicine
Collaborator
Children's Aid, New York City
Collaborator
City University of New York, School of Public Health
Collaborator
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
Collaborator
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Collaborator
Hunter College of City University of New York
Collaborator
Children's Aid
Collaborator
CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy
Collaborator
Brown School at the Washington University of St. Louis
Collaborator