Reliability and validity of rapid assessment tools for measuring 24-hour movement behaviours in children aged 0-5 years: the Movement Behaviour Questionnaire Baby (MBQ-B) and child (MBQ-C).

BACKGROUND: The development of validated "fit-for-purpose" rapid assessment tools to measure 24-hour movement behaviours in children aged 0-5 years is a research priority. This study evaluated the test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the open-ended and closed-ended versions of the Movement Behaviour Questionnaire for baby (MBQ-B) and child (MBQ-C). METHODS: 300 parent-child dyads completed the 10-day study protocol (MBQ-B: N = 85; MBQ-C: N = 215). To assess validity, children wore an accelerometer on the non-dominant wrist (ActiGraph GT3X+) for 7 days and parents completed 2 × 24-hour time use diaries (TUDs) recording screen time and sleep on two separate days. For babies (i.e., not yet walking), parents completed 2 × 24-hour TUDs recording tummy time, active play, restrained time, screen time, and sleep on days 2 and 5 of the 7-day monitoring period. To assess test-retest reliability, parents were randomised to complete either the open- or closed-ended versions of the MBQ on day 7 and on day 10. Test-retest intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC's) were calculated using generalized linear mixed models and validity was assessed via Spearman correlations. RESULTS: Test-retest reliability for the MBQ-B was good to excellent with ICC's ranging from 0.80 to 0.94 and 0.71-0.93 for the open- and closed-ended versions, respectively. For both versions, significant positive correlations were observed between 24-hour diary and MBQ-B reported tummy time, active play, restrained time, screen time, and sleep (rho = 0.39-0.87). Test-retest reliability for the MBQ-C was moderate to excellent with ICC's ranging from 0.68 to 0.98 and 0.44-0.97 for the open- and closed-ended versions, respectively. For both the open- and closed-ended versions, significant positive correlations were observed between 24-hour diary and MBQ-C reported screen time and sleep (rho = 0.44-0.86); and between MBQ-C reported and device-measured time in total activity and energetic play (rho = 0.27-0.42). CONCLUSIONS: The MBQ-B and MBQ-C are valid and reliable rapid assessment tools for assessing 24-hour movement behaviours in infants, toddlers, and pre-schoolers. Both the open- and closed-ended versions of the MBQ are suitable for research conducted for policy and practice purposes, including the evaluation of scaled-up early obesity prevention programs.

A great way to bring up health behaviour topics at playgroup: a qualitative evaluation of the Healthy Conversations @ Playgroup program.

BACKGROUND: The early years is a critical stage to establish optimal nutrition and movement behaviours. Community playgroups are a relaxed environment for parents with a focus on social connection and supporting parents in their role as 'First Teachers'. Playgroups are therefore an opportunistic setting to promote health behaviours in the early years. To support parents with young children around healthy lifestyle behaviours, the Healthy Conversations @ Playgroup program was delivered in urban and regional areas, across three Australian jurisdictions between 2021-2023. OBJECTIVE: This qualitative evaluation aimed to understand how the Healthy Conversations @ Playgroup program was experienced by parents, playgroup coordinators and peer facilitators. DESIGN: Semi-structured virtual interviews and focus groups were conducted with parents, playgroup coordinators (i.e., person responsible for coordinating the playgroup) and peer facilitators (i.e., trained facilitator for the program) that participated in the Healthy Conversations @ Playgroup study. Transcripts were analysed following a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: Twenty-eight playgroup parents, coordinators or peer facilitators participated in one of 8 focus groups or 5 interviews. Four themes were developed: Program strengths and challenges; Setting strengths and challenges; Factors that impact program delivery; Participant's suggestions for future program delivery. CONCLUSIONS: The Healthy Conversations @ Playgroup program was valued by parents, providing validation and normalisation of parenting practices, and fostering a shared experience of parenting. Playgroups are a convenient setting for families to attend. The dynamic and distracting nature of the playgroup setting were carefully considered when designing the program. Strategies to further enhance program engagement could include use of coordinator or parent champions, tailored delivery, and extending the reach to other family members. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12621000055808, registered 22 January 2021, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=380890.

Cognitive Testing of Items Measuring Movement Behaviours in Young Children Aged Zero to Five Years: Development of the Movement Behaviour Questionnaires for -Baby (MBQ-B) and -Child (MBQ-C).

This paper describes the cognitive interview phase of the development of two brief surveys, the Movement Behaviour Questionnaire-Baby (MBQ-B) and Movement Behaviour Questionnaire-Child (MBQ-C), which measure the duration of physical activity, screen time, and sleep of children aged 0-5 years. The aims were (1) review the format, content, and clarity of questionnaire items and response options, (2) understand how parents retrieve, encode, and formulate responses when asked about their child's movement behaviours, and (3) identify potential sources of response error and make appropriate modifications. Interviews with parents of children aged 0-5 years were conducted using concurrent think-aloud techniques and probing questions. Parents reviewed the MBQ-B and/or MBQ-C depending on the developmental stage of their child(ren). Twenty-nine interviews were conducted with 20 parents, over four iterative rounds. Participants recalled usual family routines and rules when estimating the duration/frequency of behaviours. To estimate active play, parents referred to the child's daily routine considering wake and bedtimes, naps, and mealtimes. Participants were influenced by the examples provided, being unable to interpret these as exemplars only. Decomposing general items into specific questions with examples was well received. Use of numeracy skills when estimating duration was evident. Interviews informed revisions to item wording, examples, and recall prompts, which will be taken forward into the MBQ-B and MBQ-C validation studies. Utilising cognitive interviewing can enhance confidence that questionnaire items are correctly interpreted and understood by participants.

A Rapid Review of the Impact of Family-Based Digital Interventions for Obesity Prevention and Treatment on Obesity-Related Outcomes in Primary School-Aged Children.

Virtual delivery of obesity prevention and treatment programs may be effective for supporting children and families to adopt healthy lifestyle changes while enhancing program accessibility. This rapid review aimed to summarize the impact of family-based digital interventions for childhood obesity prevention and treatment. Four databases were searched up to February 2021 for trials of interactive digital programs aimed to prevent and/or treat obesity in children aged 5-12 years and reported diet, physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, or weight-related outcomes in children. A total of 23 publications (from 18 interventions) were included. Behavior change theories were used in 13 interventions with "Social Cognitive Theory" applied most frequently (n = 9). Interventions included websites (n = 11), text messaging (n = 5), video gaming (n = 2), Facebook (n = 3), and/or mobile applications (n = 2). Studies reported changes in body mass index (BMI; n = 11 studies), diet (n = 11), physical activity (n = 10), screen time (n = 6), and/or sleep (n = 1). Significant improvements were reported for diet (n = 5) or physical activity (n = 4). Two of the six interventions were effective in reducing screen time. Digital interventions have shown modest improvements in child BMI and significant effectiveness in diet and physical activity, with emerging evidence supporting the use of social media and video gaming to enhance program delivery.

The effectiveness of e-health interventions for the treatment of overweight or obesity in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the effectiveness of e-health interventions for the treatment of children and adolescents with overweight or obesity. Databases were searched up to November 2020. Studies were randomized controlled trials where interventions were delivered via e-health (e.g., computers, tablets, and smartphones, but not phone calls). Studies should target the treatment of overweight or obesity in children or their agent of changes and report body mass index (BMI) or BMI z-score. A meta-analysis using a random-effects model was conducted. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria, and 60% were of high quality. The narrative review revealed variation in behavior change strategies and modes of delivery. The pooled mean reduction in BMI or BMI z-score showed evidence for a nonzero effect (standardized mean difference = -0.31, 95% confidence interval -0.49 to -0.13), with moderately high heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 74%, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed high heterogeneity in studies with a high or unclear risk of bias. E-health interventions can be effective in treating children and adolescents with overweight and obesity and should be considered by practitioners and policymakers. However, an understanding of the most effective and acceptable intervention components, long-term benefits, and sustainability should be further studied.

Study protocol for Healthy Conversations @ Playgroup: a multi-site cluster randomized controlled trial of an intervention to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours in young children attending community playgroups.

BACKGROUND: Early childhood is a critical window for preventing obesity and chronic disease. Yet, 1 in 4 Australian children aged 5 years and under are affected by overweight or obesity; and significant proportions of children under 5 years fail to meet guidelines for diet quality, physical activity (PA), screen time, and sleep. Consequently, effective interventions to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors and prevent obesity during early childhood are needed. Community playgroups provide an opportunity for parents, carers, and children to meet in a safe and relaxed environment to play and share information. The structure, low cost and reach of playgroups provide a unique platform to engage parents in a scalable program to promote healthful lifestyle behaviors and prevent childhood obesity. However, the evidence base for the effectiveness of health promotion programs delivered in community playgroup settings is limited and lacking credible evidence from rigorously conducted randomized controlled trials. METHODS: The Healthy Conversations @ Playgroup randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to address the underlying behavioral risk factors for obesity by helping parents take effective steps to improve their child's dietary, PA, screen time, and sleep behaviors. The intervention program comprises 10 "healthy conversations" led by a trained peer facilitator, designed to increase parents' behavioral capability and self-efficacy to implement autonomy-supportive parenting practices. The program will be delivered biweekly during regularly scheduled playgroup sessions over 10-weeks. Effectiveness will be tested in a 2-arm cluster RCT involving 60 community playgroups in three states across Australia. After baseline assessments, participating playgroups will be randomly allocated to either intervention or wait-list control conditions. Primary outcomes (vegetable intake, discretionary foods, daily PA, screen time, sleep duration, and body mass index [BMI] z-score) will be assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention (10-weeks; T2) and 6-months post-intervention (T3). Outcomes will be assessed for differential change at T2 and T3. DISCUSSION: The Healthy Conversations @ Playgroup trial will rigorously evaluate a novel peer-led intervention program to promote healthful lifestyle behaviors and prevent obesity in children and families attending community playgroups. If effective, the program could be immediately scaled-up and delivered in community playgroups across Australia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registered 22nd January 2021 with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ( ACTRN12621000055808 ).

Prevalence of electronic nicotine delivery systems and electronic non-nicotine delivery systems in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There are concerns that the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and electronic non-nicotine delivery systems (ENNDS) in children and adolescents could potentially be harmful to health. Understanding the extent of use of these devices is crucial to informing public health policy. We aimed to synthesise the prevalence of ENDS or ENNDS use in children and adolescents younger than 20 years. METHODS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we undertook an electronic search in five databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, and Wiley Cochrane Library) from Jan 1, 2016, to Aug 31, 2020, and a grey literature search. Included studies reported on the prevalence of ENDS or ENNDS use in nationally representative samples in populations younger than 20 years and collected data between the years 2016 and 2020. Studies were excluded if they were done in those aged 20 years or older, used data from specialist panels that did not apply appropriate weighting, or did not use methods that ensured recruitment of a nationally representative sample. We included the most recent data for each country. We combined multiple national estimates for a country if they were done in the same year. We undertook risk of bias assessment for all surveys included in the review using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist (by two reviewers in the author list). A random effects meta-analysis was used to pool overall prevalence estimates for ever, current, occasional, and daily use. This study was prospectively registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020199485. FINDINGS: The most recent prevalence data from 26 national surveys representing 69 countries and territories, with a median sample size of 3925 (IQR 1=2266, IQR 3=10 593) children and adolescents was included. In children and adolescents aged between 8 years and younger than 20 years, the pooled prevalence for ever (defined as any lifetime use) ENDS or ENNDS use was 17·2% (95% CI 15-20, I2=99·9%), whereas for current use (defined as use in past 30 days) the pooled prevalence estimate was 7·8% (6-9, I2=99·8%). The pooled estimate for occasional use was 0·8% (0·5-1·2, I2=99·4%) for daily use and 7·5% (6·1-9·1, I2=99·4%) for occasional use. Prevalence of ENDS or ENNDS use was highest in high-income geographical regions. In terms of study quality, all surveys scored had a low risk of bias for the sampling frame used, due to the nationally representative nature of the studies. The most poorly conducted methodological feature of the included studies was subjects and setting described in detail. Few surveys reported on the use of flavours or types of ENDS or ENNDS. INTERPRETATION: There is significant variability in the prevalence of ENDS and ENNDS use in children and adolescents globally by country income status. These findings are possibly due to differences in regulatory context, market availability, and differences in surveillance systems. FUNDING: World Health Organization and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Social disparities in obesity treatment for children age 3-10 years: A systematic review.

Socio-economic status and ethnic background are recognized as predictors of risk for the development of obesity in childhood. The present review assesses the effectiveness of treatment for children according to their socio-economic and ethnic background. Sixty-four systematic reviews were included, from which there was difficulty reaching general conclusions on the approaches to treatment suitable for different social subgroups. Eighty-one primary studies cited in the systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria, of which five directly addressed differential effectiveness of treatment in relation to social disparities, with inconsistent conclusions. From a weak evidence base, it appears that treatment effectiveness may be affected by family-level factors including attitudes to overweight, understanding of the causes of weight gain and motivation to make and maintain family-level changes in health behaviours. Interventions should be culturally and socially sensitive, avoid stigma, encourage motivation, recognize barriers and reinforce opportunities and be achievable within the family's time and financial resources. However, the evidence base is remarkably limited, given the significance of social and economic disparities as risk factors. Research funding agencies need to ensure that a focus on social disparities in paediatric obesity treatment is a high priority for future research.

Feasibility and efficacy of a web-based family telehealth nutrition intervention to improve child weight status and dietary intake: A pilot randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Innovative eHealth solutions that improve access to child weight management interventions are crucial to address the rising prevalence of childhood obesity globally. The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 12-week online telehealth nutrition intervention to improve child weight and dietary outcomes, and the impact of additional text messages (SMS) targeted to mothers and fathers. METHODS: Families with children aged 4 to 11 were randomised across three groups: Telehealth, Telehealth+SMS, or Waitlist control. Telehealth and Telehealth+SMS groups received two telehealth consultations delivered by a dietitian, 12 weeks access to a nutrition website and a private Facebook group. The Telehealth+SMS group received additional SMS. Feasibility was assessed through recruitment, retention, and intervention utilisation. Efficacy was assessed through changes in measured child body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and diet. RESULTS: Forty-four (96%) and 36 (78%) families attended initial and second telehealth consultations, respectively. Thirty-six families (78%) completed week 12 assessments. Child BMI and waist circumference changes from baseline to week 12 were not statistically different within or between groups. Children in Telehealth+SMS had significantly reduced percentage energy from energy-dense nutrient-poor food (95% CI -21.99 to -0.03%E; p = .038) and increased percentage energy from healthy core food (95% CI -0.21 to 21.89%E; p = .045) compared to Waitlist control. DISCUSSION: A family-focused online telehealth nutrition intervention is feasible. While the modest sample size reduced power to detect between-group changes in weight status, some improvements in child dietary intakes were identified in those receiving telehealth and SMS.

Fidelity and acceptability of a family-focused technology-based telehealth nutrition intervention for child weight management.

INTRODUCTION: Previous reviews of family-based interventions for childhood obesity treatment found that studies were of low methodological quality with inadequate details reported, especially related to intervention fidelity. The evaluation of fidelity is crucial to inform interpretation of the intervention outcomes. This study aimed to summarise intervention fidelity, participants' acceptability and satisfaction with a 12-week family-focused technology-based child nutrition and weight management intervention. METHODS: Families with children aged 4-11 years participated in a telehealth intervention with complementary components: website, Facebook group and text messages. Intervention fidelity was reported using National Institutes of Health Treatment Fidelity Framework. Delivery was measured using a dietitian-reported evaluation survey. Google Analytics and Bitly platform were used to objectively track data on frequency and pattern of intervention use. Participants' acceptability and satisfaction were measured using a process evaluation survey. RESULTS: Telehealth consultations delivered by trained dietitians had good adherence (≥83%) to the structured content. Process evaluation results indicated that parents (n = 30; mean age 41 years, 97% were female, body mass index 30 kg/m2) found the intervention components easy to use/understand (87-100%), the programme had improved their family/child eating habits (93%), and they wanted to continue using telehealth and the website, as well as recommending it to other parents (90-91%). DISCUSSION: In summary, a family-focused technology-based child nutrition and weight management intervention using telehealth, website, Facebook and SMS can be delivered by trained dietitians with good fidelity and attain high acceptability and satisfaction among families with primary-school-aged children in New South Wales, Australia.

Process Evaluation of a Personality Targeted Intervention for Addictive Eating in Australian Adults.

Addictive eating prevalence is estimated at 15-20% in studied populations, and is associated with concurrent mental health conditions and eating disorders as well as overweight and obesity. However, few evidence-based interventions targeting addictive eating are available. The further development of evidence-based interventions requires assessment of intervention feasibility and efficacy. This study aimed to determine the feasibility, including intervention delivery and program acceptability, of FoodFix; a personality targeted intervention for the treatment of addictive eating behaviours in Australian adults. Participants (n = 52) were randomised to intervention (n = 26) or wait-list control groups (n = 26) and received three personalised telehealth sessions with an Accredited Practising Dietitian over seven weeks. Intervention delivery was assessed by tracking adherence to scheduled timing of intervention sessions. Program acceptability of participants was assessed via an online process evaluation survey and program acceptability of intervention providers was assessed via semi-structured phone interviews. In total, 79% of participants adhered to scheduled timing for session two and 43% for session three, defined as within one week (before/after) of the scheduled date. Further, 21% of participants completed the process evaluation survey (n = 11). The majority of participants were extremely/very satisfied with FoodFix (n = 7, 63%). Intervention providers (n = 2) expressed that they felt adequately trained to deliver the intervention, and that the overall session format, timing, and content of FoodFix was appropriate for participants. These findings highlight the importance of assessing intervention feasibility to further understand intervention efficacy.

A systematic review of interventions to improve the dietary intake, physical activity and weight status of children attending family day care services.

OBJECTIVE: To (i) identify and synthesise findings from interventions to improve the dietary intake, physical activity and weight status of children aged 0-6 years attending family day care services; and (ii) assess the impact of interventions on family day care environments, intervention cost and adverse outcomes. DESIGN: Medline in Process, PsycINFO, ERIC, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL and Scopus databases were searched in March 2019. Studies were included if they (i) evaluated an intervention to improve the diet, physical activity and/or weight of children aged 0-6 years; (ii) were delivered in family day care services; (iii) targeted child diet, physical activity and/or weight; and (iv) used a parallel control group design. Screening was undertaken by two reviewers with disagreements resolved by a third reviewer. SETTING: Family day care services, also known as family childcare homes. PARTICIPANTS: Children aged 0-6 years attending family day care services. RESULTS: In total, 8977 titles were retrieved, and 199 full-texts reviewed. No studies met the inclusion criteria for the primary outcome; however, two studies reporting on the secondary outcome of family day care environments were included. The 4-year community-wide obesity prevention programme and the 12-month train-the-trainer programme both reported statistically significant improvements in the healthy eating and physical activity environments of family day care, compared to cross-sectional state-average control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight few existing interventions in family day care services and a need for high-quality controlled trials to identify effective interventions to improve children's diet, activity and weight in this setting.

Patterns and Correlates of Sedentary Behavior in Children Attending Family Child Care.

Public health authorities recommend young children should not be sedentary for more than one hour at a time. This study assessed the frequency and duration of sedentary bouts in children attending family child care homes (FCCHs); and examined associations with FCCH provider practices related to sedentary behaviors. Overall, 127 children (aged 3.5 ± 1.1 years) from 41 FCCHs participated in the study. Sedentary bouts were measured using an accelerometer worn for the duration of FCCHs attendance over a randomly selected week. Provider practices were assessed using the Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care self-assessment instrument. Children attending FCCHs mostly accumulated short sedentary bouts (<5 min) with very few lasting more than 10 min. Boys exhibited significantly fewer sedentary bouts, and significantly less sedentary time in bouts than girls. Children attending FCCHs that met or exceeded childcare standards for outdoor active play, had portable play equipment, offered a variety of fixed play equipment, and/or adequate indoor play space exhibited significantly fewer sedentary bouts and significantly less sedentary time accumulated in short and medium length bouts. Programs encouraging FCCHs to adopt physical activity promoting practices could potentially reduce child sedentary time while in care.

Children's Intake of Food from Non-Fast-Food Outlets and Child-Specific Menus: A Survey of Parents.

Eating out-of-home is associated with higher energy intakes in children. The continued high prevalence of childhood obesity requires a greater understanding of child menu options and eating out frequency to inform appropriate regulatory initiatives. The majority of studies to date have focused on menus from fast-food outlets with few focused on non-fast-food outlets. This study aimed to describe parents' reports of their child(ren)'s (aged up to 6 years) frequency of consuming foods at non-fast-food outlets, observations of child menus at these outlets, and their purchasing behaviours and future preferences regarding these menus; and if their responses were influenced by sociodemographic characteristics. Ninety-five parents completed a 15-item cross-sectional survey. Overall, children from 54% of families consumed food from non-fast-food outlets at least monthly. Of the 87 parents who reported that their child eats at a non-fast-food restaurant, 71 had children who ordered from child menus every time (7%, n = 5), often (29%, n = 22), sometimes (42%, n = 32) or rarely (16%, n = 12), with a further 7% (n = 5) never ordering from these menus. All parents indicated that they would like to see a higher proportion of healthy child menu items than is currently offered. Parents' responses were not influenced by sociodemographic characteristics. Parents' views support implementation of initiatives to increase availability of healthy options on child menus at non-fast-food outlets.

Accuracy of Parent-Reported Child Height and Weight and Calculated Body Mass Index Compared With Objectively Measured Anthropometrics: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Electronic health (eHealth) interventions for children often rely on parent-reported child anthropometric measures. However, limited studies have assessed parental accuracy in reporting child height and weight via Web-based approaches. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of parent-reported child height and weight, as well as body mass index and weight category that we calculated from these data. We also aimed to explore whether parent report was influenced by age, sex, weight status, or exposure to participation in a 12-week brief Web-based family lifestyle intervention. METHODS: This study was a secondary analysis of data from a 12-week childhood obesity pilot randomized controlled trial in families with children aged 4 to 11 years in Australia. We asked parents to report demographic information, including child height and weight, using an online survey before their child's height and weight were objectively measured by a trained research assistant at baseline and week 12. We analyzed data using the Lin concordance correlation coefficient (ρc, ranging from 0 [poor] to ±1 [perfect] concordance), Cohen kappa coefficient, and multivariable linear regression models. RESULTS: There were 42 families at baseline and 35 families (83%) at week 12. Overall, the accuracy of parent-reported child height was moderate (ρc=.94), accuracy of weight was substantial (ρc=.96), and accuracy of calculated body mass index was poor (ρc=.63). Parents underreported child height and weight, respectively, by 0.9 cm and 0.5 kg at baseline and by 0.2 cm and 1.6 kg after participating in a 12-week brief Web-based family lifestyle intervention. The overall interrater agreement of child body mass index category was moderate at baseline (κ=.59) and week 12 (κ=.54). The weight category calculated from 74% (n=31) and 70% (n=23) of parent-reported child height and weight was accurate at baseline and week 12, respectively. Parental age was significantly (95% CI -0.52 to -0.06; P=.01) associated with accuracy of reporting child height. Child age was significantly (95% CI -2.34 to -0.06; P=.04) associated with reporting of child weight. CONCLUSIONS: Most Australian parents were reasonably accurate in reporting child height and weight among a group of children aged 4 to 11 years. The weight category of most of the children when calculated from parent-reported data was in agreement with the objectively measured data despite the body mass index calculated from parent-reported data having poor concordance at both time points. Online parent-reported child height and weight may be a valid method of collecting child anthropometric data ahead of participation in a Web-based program. Future studies with larger sample sizes and repeated measures over time in the context of eHealth research are warranted. Future studies should consider modeling the impact of calibration equations applied to parent-reported anthropometric data on study outcomes.

Effectiveness of family-based weight management interventions for children with overweight and obesity: an umbrella review.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the review was to synthesize the effectiveness and strategies used in family-based behavioral childhood obesity interventions in improving child weight-related outcomes. INTRODUCTION: Family-based interventions are common practice in the treatment of childhood obesity. Research suggests that direct parental involvement can improve child weight-related outcomes. However, challenges remain in assessing the effects of family-based interventions on child weight and weight-related behavior due to the lack of quality programs and diversity of treatment strategies. INCLUSION CRITERIA: The review included systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses of family-based behavioral interventions in children aged ≤18 who were classified as overweight and/or obese, and which reported child weight related outcomes, such as body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage and waist circumferences. METHODS: Seven databases were searched from 1990 to May 2016 to identify English language publications. Reference lists of included reviews and relevant registers were also searched for additional reviews. All included systematic reviews were critically appraised by two reviewers independently. Data extracted included characteristics of included systematic reviews and weight-related outcomes reported. Data synthesis involved categorizing the interventions into seven categories and presented findings in narrative and tabular format. Quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. RESULTS: The umbrella review included 14 systematic reviews (low to moderate methodological quality), published between 2004 and 2015, including 47 independent trials ranging from one month to seven years follow-up conducted in more than 16 countries. The majority of reviews (93%) reported weight outcomes of children aged six to 13 years. All reviews except one indicated that family-based interventions were successful in improving child weight and/or weight-related behavior. Five reviews highlighted that parent-only interventions had similar (n = 4) or greater (n = 1) effectiveness compared to parent-child interventions. Effective interventions employed parent-targeted strategies, including nutrition and physical activity education sessions, positive parenting skills, role modelling and child behavior management to encourage positive healthy eating/exercise behaviors in children and/or whole family. CONCLUSIONS: Family-based interventions targeting parents, alone or with their child, are effective for child weight management. Due to the lack of high quality evidence, especially in emerging parent-only interventions, further research is warranted. Health practitioners can work with parents as agents of change and focus on fostering positive parenting skills, such as monitoring, reinforcement, role modelling, and providing a nurturing environment, in order to support health behaviors in their children. Future research needs to explore whether parent-only interventions are more cost-effective compared to parent-child interventions, and to include larger populations, longer intervention duration and follow-up.

Strategies to improve the implementation of policies, practices or programmes in sporting organisations targeting poor diet, physical inactivity, obesity, risky alcohol use or tobacco use: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim for this review is to determine the effectiveness of strategies to improve the implementation of policies, practices or programmes in sporting organisations. The secondary aims are to describe the cost or cost-effectiveness and adverse effects of such strategies and to examine the effects of those implementation strategies on individual's diet, physical activity, obesity, alcohol use or tobacco use. METHODS: We conducted searches of academic databases (eg, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL), trial registers and hand searches of selected journals. Studies were included if they were conducted at a sporting venue; described a strategy to improve implementation of policies, practices or programmes focusing on one or more health risks (diet, physical inactivity, obesity, alcohol or tobacco use), and included a parallel control group. Two authors independently screened citations and extracted data. The results of included studies were synthesised narratively. RESULTS: Of the 5926 citations screened three studies met the inclusion criteria. Two studies were randomised controlled trials. Two studies sought to improve the implementation of nutrition-related policy and practices and one study sought to improve implementation of alcohol-related policy and practices. Each study reported improvement in at least one measure of policy or practice implementation. Two studies reported individual-level outcomes and found a reduction in excessive alcohol consumption and an increase in purchase of fruits and vegetables at the sports club ground. Two studies assessed club revenue as a potential adverse effect, neither reported significant between-group differences on these measures. CONCLUSION: There is a sparse evidence base regarding the effectiveness of strategies to improve the implementation of policies, practices or programmes targeting chronic disease risk factors in sporting clubs. While all studies reported some improvements in implementation, for some multistrategic implementation strategies it is difficult to determine the extent to which such effects are generalisable. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42016039490.

Update of the best practice dietetic management of overweight and obese children and adolescents: a systematic review protocol.

REVIEW QUESTION/OBJECTIVE: To update an existing systematic review series of randomized controlled trials (RCT) that include a dietary intervention for the management of overweight or obesity in children or adolescents.Specifically, the review questions are: In randomized controlled trials of interventions which include a dietary intervention for the management of overweight or obesity in children or adolescents.