A Hybrid Mobile Phone Feasibility Study Focusing on Latino Mothers, Fathers, and Grandmothers to Prevent Obesity in Preschoolers

Abstract

Objective To pilot the feasibility of a mobile phone childhood obesity intervention for family caregivers of Latino preschool-aged children. Methods An evidence-based early childhood obesity intervention was adapted to have cultural relevance and a shorter-length curriculum for mothers, fathers, and grandmothers of 2- to 5-year-old Latino children. Traditional in-person group sessions (four weeks) were combined with eight weeks of mobile phone content to support parenting skills and evidence-based and age-appropriate nutritional practices in either English or Spanish. A convenience sample of Latino families were recruited from WIC and Early Education Centers in East Los Angeles. Feasibility measures were collected. Child and caregiver height and weight were measured, and caregiver surveys of child dietary intake were collected at baseline, 1- and 6-month post-baseline. Changes in child’s dietary intake and BMI, as well as caregiver BMI, were examined using a mixed effects linear regression model with family random intercept and nested random slope for time period of measurement. Results The program was delivered to 64 low-income Latino families (46 mothers, 34 fathers, 16 grandmothers, and 48 children). Children had a reduction in raw BMI, BMI percentile, and BMI z-scores at 6-months post-baseline compared to baseline measurements. The study also demonstrated stable BMI outcomes among all caregivers. Conclusion The pilot study shows promise in preventing childhood obesity, and having a multi-generational impact on weight outcomes. Leveraging the high-use of mobile phones has the potential to shorten in-person interventions, and engage fathers and grandmothers who play an important role in shaping healthy weight practices in young children.