Text Messaging for Childhood Obesity
(MW-PRCCRP Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This hybrid type 3 effectiveness-implementation sequential multiple assignment randomized trial will assess the impact of integrating population health management (PHM) strategies-text messaging and enrollment in Building Healthy Families (BHF)-for lower-income families with a child with obesity identified through electronic health record (EHR) data. BHF promotes family healthy eating, physical activity, and lifestyle behavior strategies to manage weight. The research team will partner with clinical sites (community health clinics, pediatric clinics, rural hospitals) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs). Clinical partners will execute data-sharing agreements enabling the research team to identify eligible children and caregivers and conduct outreach via text messaging. CBO partners will deliver BHF and provide de-identified data for program evaluation. Community Implementation Teams (CITs) will complete training, surveys, interviews, learning collaborative activities, fidelity assessments, and time tracking as part of quality improvement. The BHF Action Learning Collaborative will use quarterly sessions and Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles to address recruitment, implementation, sustainability, social determinants of health, and team coordination. The research team will record sessions, conduct direct observations of BHF delivery, and take field notes to assess fidelity and adaptations. Families will be identified through EHR records and mailed a consent and authorization cover letter, postcard, QR code, and intervention information with opt-out options. Those who do not opt out will be randomized to bidirectional text messaging with one-touch response and enrollment opportunities, with or without active outreach (telephone or text) from the local CIT. Enrolled families will complete orientation, baseline assessment, and weekly group sessions with ongoing follow-up. Attendance, body weight, goals, and self-monitoring will be recorded in a CIT data portal. Families will be randomized to receive either simple text reminders or reminders with motivational and skill-building prompts matched to session topics. CITs will also connect families to food assistance programs and local resources. Each CIT will complete two cohorts over two years. The primary outcome is reach; secondary outcomes include session attendance, changes in child BMI-z scores, changes in parent or caregiver weight, and changes in adoption, implementation, and maintenance at the community level.
Who Is on the Research Team?
Paul A Estabrooks, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Utah
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Recruitment and Enrollment
Eligible families are identified through EHR data and contacted via text messaging for enrollment in the Building Healthy Families program.
Treatment
Families participate in weekly two-hour group sessions focusing on healthy eating, physical activity, and lifestyle behavior strategies.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in BMI, weight, and program engagement.
Community Implementation and Maintenance
Community Implementation Teams continue to deliver the BHF program and assess fidelity and adaptations.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Active outreach follow-up
- Text Message-based recruitment
How Is the Trial Designed?
4
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Participants receive a single bidirectional text message from the research team with a one-touch response option and a direct link to enroll in the Family Healthy Weight Program, plus telephone outreach from the local Community Implementation Team.
Participants receive a single bidirectional text message from the research team with a one-touch response option and a direct link to enroll in the Family Healthy Weight Program.
Participants receive repeated bidirectional text messages from the research team over a 3-month period, with a one-touch response option and a direct link to enroll in the Family Healthy Weight Program, plus telephone outreach from the local Community Implementation Team. Participants may opt out of receiving messages at any time.
Participants receive repeated bidirectional text messages from the research team over a 3-month period, with a one-touch response option and a direct link to enroll in the Family Healthy Weight Program. Participants may opt out of receiving messages at any time.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Paul Estabrooks
Lead Sponsor
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