mHealth Tool for Childhood Obesity
Trial Summary
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 data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Didactic health information, Web-based comic and newsletters for childhood obesity?
Research shows that using comics for health education can improve understanding and recall of health information, as seen in studies where parents better remembered child development milestones after reading educational comics. Additionally, tailored text messages have been effective in supporting healthy lifestyle changes in adolescents, suggesting that similar digital tools could help in managing childhood obesity.12345
Is the mHealth Tool for Childhood Obesity, using comics and web-based information, safe for humans?
The research on using comics and web-based information for health education, including for conditions like diabetes and liver disease, suggests that these tools are generally safe for humans. They are primarily used to improve understanding and awareness of health issues, with no reported safety concerns.36789
How is the mHealth Tool for Childhood Obesity treatment different from other treatments for childhood obesity?
This treatment is unique because it combines didactic health information with engaging web-based comics and newsletters, making it more interactive and appealing to children. Unlike traditional methods, it leverages digital tools to provide education and support, potentially increasing adherence and engagement in a fun and relatable way.24101112
What is the purpose of this trial?
Using a two-group randomized study design, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the adapted family-centered mHealth tool on child BMI z-score (primary outcome), child dietary behaviors, and parental feeding practices, from baseline to 12-month follow-up, among 200 child-parent dyads. It is hypothesized that children in the experimental group will demonstrate larger BMI-z score improvements between baseline and 12-month follow-up compared to children in the comparison group.
Eligibility Criteria
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
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
Treatment Details
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