Screening and treatment of anxiety symptoms within an interdisciplinary comprehensive epilepsy center.

Youth with epilepsy (YWE) are at elevated risk for anxiety, yet anxiety is often undetected and understudied in this population. Most research on anxiety in YWE is based on parent proxy-report and broad-band measures with limited sensitivity. The aim of the current study was to: 1) examine rates of anxiety symptoms in YWE using a diagnosis-specific, self-report measure of anxiety symptoms, 2) assess differences in anxiety symptoms by sociodemographic and medical variables, and 3) evaluate changes in anxiety symptoms following a brief behavioral health intervention delivered within an interdisciplinary epilepsy clinic visit. As part of routine clinical care, 317 YWE [Mage=13.4+2.5 years (range 7-19 years); 54% female; 84% White: Non-Hispanic] completed the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children, self-report (MASC-10), with a subset completing the MASC-10 at a second timepoint (n=139). A retrospective chart review was completed and sociodemographic, medical variables and behavioral health interventions were collected. Thirty percent of YWE endorsed elevated anxiety symptoms, with higher rates in those who were younger. YWE who received a behavioral health intervention for anxiety (n=21) demonstrated greater decreases in anxiety symptoms from Time 1 to Time 2 compared to those who did not receive a behavioral intervention (n=108). The integration of psychologists into pediatric epilepsy clinics may have allowed for early identification of anxiety symptoms, as well behavioral interventions to address these symptoms, which has the potential to decrease the need for more intensive services.

Key predictors of epilepsy-specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in youth with epilepsy.

PURPOSE: Epilepsy-specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important outcome in youth with epilepsy (YWE). The PedsQL™ Epilepsy Module is the only caregiver-proxy and youth self-report epilepsy-specific HRQOL measure that can be used with youth 2-25 years. Multiple factors affect HRQOL, including epilepsy-specific characteristics, comorbid mental and behavioral health concerns, as well as sociodemographic factors. However, we have not yet examined the cumulative impact of these factors on epilepsy-specific HRQOL in YWE using the PedsQL™ Epilepsy module. METHOD: Youth with epilepsy (n = 281) and their caregivers completed questionnaires focused on sociodemographic factors (e.g., youth biological sex and age), mood/anxiety and behavior symptoms (i.e., Behavioral Assessment Scale for Children - Second Edition; BASC-2, Parent Rating Scale), epilepsy characteristics [e.g., seizure frequency, number of anti-seizure medications (ASMs), ASM side effects, and years since diagnosis], and the PedsQL™ Epilepsy module (subscales: Impact, Cognitive Functioning, Executive Functioning, Sleep, and Mood/Behavior). RESULTS: Hierarchical linear regressions were conducted to examine caregiver-proxy and youth self-reported factors that affect epilepsy-specific HRQOL. Results indicate the strongest key shared predictors of HRQOL in YWE, for both youth and caregiver informants, were mental and behavioral health symptoms. For instance, caregiver-proxy report of YWE HRQOL indicated BASC-2 Externalizing (p < 0.05), Behavioral Symptoms (p < 0.01), and Adaptive Skills (p < 0.001) explained 58 % of the variance in youth Cognitive Functioning HRQOL, while youth self-report of HRQOL indicated that BASC-2 Externalizing (p < 0.01), Behavioral Symptoms (p < 0.05), and Adaptive Skills (p < 0.001) contributed only 36 % of the variance in Cognitive Functioning HRQOL above and beyond the variance explained by sociodemographic and epilepsy-specific characteristics. Similar results were noted for Executive Functioning HRQOL domain, wherein caregiver-proxy report of YWE HRQOL indicated BASC-2 Internalizing (p < 0.01), Behavioral Symptoms (p < 0.001) and Adaptive Skills (p < 0.001) explained 65 % of variance in Executive Functioning, whereas youth self-report of Executive Functioning HRQOL indicated that caregiver-proxy BASC-2 Internalizing (p < 0.001) and Behavioral Symptoms (p < 0.01) explained 34 % of the variance in Executive Functioning HRQOL, above and beyond the variance explained by sociodemographic and epilepsy-specific characteristics. Unique mental and behavioral health predictors of YWE HRQOL were also found for both caregiver-proxy and youth self-report. CONCLUSIONS: Given the integral role of mental and behavioral health symptoms in epilepsy-specific HRQOL, it is critical to address mental and behavioral health symptoms preventatively and proactively to provide YWE with the most optimal health plan, including good seizure control, minimal ASM side effects, and the best possible HRQOL.

Self-Disclosure Patterns Among Children and Youth with Epilepsy: Impact of Perceived-Stigma.

This review aimed to synthesize the minimal existing literature on the impact of perceived stigma on self-disclosure patterns among children and youth with epilepsy (YWE). Initial literature searches were conducted in PsycInfo, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed using search terms focused on epilepsy, pediatrics, disclosure, and/or stigma. Articles were included if they were original human research articles published in peer-reviewed journals that were accessible in English through Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Pratt Library and fit study aims. Thirteen articles, which primarily used qualitative self-report methodologies, fit the study's inclusion criteria. YWE report greater perceived stigma and lower illness disclosure compared to youth with other chronic health conditions. Across studies, perceived stigma was consistently identified as a barrier to YWE disclosing their epilepsy diagnosis. Consequences of perceived stigma included lower self-esteem, poorer perceived competency, lack of self-confidence, social withdrawal, and lower quality of life. YWE's reluctance to disclose epilepsy was associated with worry about differential treatment, negative impact on close relationships, negative impact on others' perceptions, and negative self-perceptions. While WHO and ILAE have identified stigma as contributing to higher disease burden in people with epilepsy and have highlighted the importance of prioritizing social policy focused on decreasing epilepsy-related stigma, progress has been incremental and much work remains. Future research is needed to understand socio-cultural factors perpetuating stigma among YWE in order to further develop, evaluate, and disseminate evidence-based clinical and education programming to combat epilepsy-related stigma.

Behavioral health screening in pediatric epilepsy: Which measures commonly used in the United States are 'good enough'?

PURPOSE: To improve evidence-based implementation of behavioral health screening measures in pediatric epilepsy care, guidance is needed in the selection and interpretation of evidence-based screening measures. Therefore, the goals of this project were to (1) evaluate the clinical utility and psychometric properties of screening instruments frequently used in the United States (US) for anxiety, depression, and behavior problems in youth with epilepsy (YWE), and (2) provide guidance around selection and interpretation of these behavioral health screening measures. METHOD: The critique was conducted in three phases: (1) identification of articles based on search criteria; (2) full review of articles for eligibility assessment; (3) evaluation of screening measures and organization into Tiers. Nine behavioral health measures frequently used to screen for anxiety, depression, and disruptive behaviors in the US were selected for evaluation. PubMed, CINAHL, Medline, and APA databases were searched using the following search terms: [target area] + [screening measure] + epilepsy + children [youth], [adolescents]. Inclusion/exclusion criteria for articles were as follows: (1) focused on YWE, (2) written in English, and (3) conducted in the US. Once articles were selected, Hunsley and Mash's criteria were used to evaluate and categorize the screening measures' psychometric properties, which have clear relevance to clinical practice. Measures were also classified into three tiers by the level of validation according to established evidence-based criteria. RESULTS: Forty-one unique papers were identified through the literature search and assessed as eligible. Evaluation of screening measures revealed only two psychometrically sound measures that met criteria for Tier 1, the NDDI-E-Y and the Pediatric NeuroQoL-Depression, both depression screening measures. Several additional depression screening measures met criteria for Tier 2 (CDI-2, BASC-2-Depression Scale, and CBCL Withdrawn/Depressed Scale). Anxiety screening measures have not been validated in pediatric epilepsy and thus only met the criteria for Tier 2 (BASC-2 Anxiety Scale, CBCL DSM-IV Oriented Anxiety Problems Scale, MASC). Similarly for disruptive behaviors, two measures met Tier 2 criteria (BASC-2 Externalizing Problems Index, CBCL Externalizing Problems Index). CONCLUSION: Strides have been made in the validation of behavioral health screening measures for YWE; however, continued research in this area is necessary to validate existing psychometrically sound measures and to develop and evaluate epilepsy-specific measures in the pediatric epilepsy population.

Maintenance Following a Randomized Trial of a Clinic and Home-based Behavioral Intervention of Obesity in Preschoolers.

OBJECTIVE: To assess maintenance of improved weight outcomes in preschoolers with obesity 6 and 12 months following a randomized clinical trial comparing a home- and clinic-based behavioral intervention (Learning about Activity and Understanding Nutrition for Child Health [LAUNCH]) to motivational interviewing and standard care. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial with children between the ages of 2 and 5 years above the 95th percentile for body mass index for age and sex recruited from 27 pediatrician offices across 10 recruitment cycles between March 12, 2012, and June 8, 2015, were followed 6 and 12 months post-treatment. Child and caregiver weight, height, and caloric intake, child physical activity, and home environment were assessed. The primary outcome was maintenance of greater reduction of percent over the 50th percentile body mass index (BMI%50th) by LAUNCH compared with motivational interviewing and standard care at the 6- and 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: Significantly lower child BMI%50th was maintained for LAUNCH compared with motivational interviewing at 12-month follow-up and to standard care at the 6-month follow-up; however, the effect sizes were maintained for comparison with standard care at 12-month follow-up. LAUNCH had significantly lower daily caloric intake compared with motivational interviewing and standard care at both follow-ups and maintained significantly fewer high-calorie foods in the home compared with standard care at 6 and 12 months and compared with motivational interviewing at 12 months. However, caloric intake increased by 12% from post-treatment. LAUNCH caregivers did not maintain improved BMI at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: LAUNCH showed success in reducing weight in preschoolers. However, maintaining treatment gains post-treatment is more difficult. Treatment may need to last longer than 6 months to achieve optimal results. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01546727.

Clinic and Home-Based Behavioral Intervention for Obesity in Preschoolers: A Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypotheses that an innovative skills-based behavioral family clinic and home-based intervention (LAUNCH) would reduce body mass index z score (BMIz) compared with motivational interviewing and to standard care in preschool-aged children with obesity. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial with children between the ages of 2 and 5 years above the 95th percentile for body mass index for age and sex recruited from 27 pediatrician offices across 10 recruitment cycles between March 12, 2012 and June 8, 2015. Children were randomized to LAUNCH (an 18-session clinic and home-based behavioral intervention), motivational interviewing (delivered at the same frequency as LAUNCH), or standard care (no formal intervention). Weight and height were measured by assessors blinded to participant assignment. The primary outcome, BMIz at month 6 after adjusting for baseline BMIz, was tested separately comparing LAUNCH with motivational interviewing and LAUNCH with standard care using regression-based analysis of covariance models. RESULTS: A total of 151 of the 167 children randomized met intent-to-treat criteria and 92% completed the study. Children were 76% White and 57% female, with an average age of 55 months and BMI percentile of 98.57, with no demographic differences between the groups. LAUNCH participants demonstrated a significantly greater decrease in BMIz (mean = -0.32, SD = ±0.33) compared with motivational interviewing (mean = -0.05, SD = ±0.27), P < .001, ω2 = 0.74 and compared with standard care (mean = -0.13, SD = ±0.31), P < .004, ω2 = 0.75. CONCLUSIONS: In preschool-age children, an intensive 6-month behavioral skills-based intervention is necessary to reduce obesity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01546727.

Are Preschoolers Meeting the Mark? Comparing the Dietary, Activity, and Sleep Behaviors of Preschoolers With Obesity to National Recommendations.

Objective: National health organizations and expert committees have issued recommendations for health behaviors related to obesity risk. Behavioral and family-based weight management interventions for preschoolers often target improving adherence to these recommendations, but it is unknown how the health behaviors of preschoolers with obesity enrolled in weight control treatments (WCTs) compare with these guidelines. In this study, the dietary intake, activity, and sleep behaviors of preschoolers with obesity enrolled in a family-based behavioral WCT are described and compared with national health behavior recommendations. Methods: Health behaviors of 151 preschoolers with obesity (M age = 4.60, SD = 0.93) enrolled in a clinical trial of a weight management program were measured at baseline through caregiver-report questionnaires, three 24-hr dietary recalls, and accelerometers. Results: In total, 70% of the sample exceeded daily caloric recommendations, only 10 and 5% met recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake, respectively, and only 30% met the recommendation of consuming no sugar-sweetened beverages. The majority of the sample met the daily recommendations for 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous activity (80%), < 2 hr of screen time (68%), and sleep duration (70%). Conclusions: Behavioral weight management interventions for preschoolers with obesity should target the health behaviors where children are not meeting recommendations.

Learning about Activity and Understanding Nutrition for Child Health (LAUNCH): Rationale, design, and implementation of a randomized clinical trial of a family-based pediatric weight management program for preschoolers.

Obesity affects nearly 2 million preschool age children in the United States and is not abating. However, research on interventions for already obese preschoolers is limited. To address this significant gap in the literature, we developed an intervention targeting obesity reduction in 2 to 5year olds, Learning about Activity and Understanding Nutrition for Child Health (LAUNCH). This paper describes the rationale, design, participant enrollment, and implementation of a 3-arm randomized, parallel-group clinical trial comparing LAUNCH to a motivational-interviewing intervention (MI) and standard care (STC), respectively. Whereas LAUNCH was designed as a skills based intervention, MI focused on addressing the guardian's motivation to make changes in diet and activity and providing tools to do so at the guardian's level of readiness to implement changes. Child body mass index z-score was the primary outcome, assessed at pretreatment, posttreatment (Month 6), and 6 and 12month follow-ups (Months 12 and 18). Mechanisms of weight change (e.g., dietary intake, physical activity) and environmental factors associated with weight (e.g., foods available in the home, caregiver diet) were also assessed. This study is unique because it is one of the few randomized controlled trials to examine a developmentally informed, clinic and home skills based behavioral family intervention for preschoolers who are already obese. Being obese during the preschool years increases the likelihood of remaining obese as an adult and is associated with serious health conditions; if this intervention is successful, it has the potential to change the health trajectories for young children with obesity.

Treating Obesity in Preschoolers: A Review and Recommendations for Addressing Critical Gaps.

Developing interventions targeting obesity reduction in preschoolers is an emergent area. Although intensive, multicomponent interventions seem a promising approach to preschool obesity reduction, this review identifies and discusses approaches to 3 critical gaps (poor reach to families from low-income and minority backgrounds, lack of sufficient evidence to determine the most effective and efficient treatment components and approaches to treating obesity in early childhood, and lack of consensus on how best to discern intervention effectiveness) that need to be addressed to advance the preschool obesity literature.

Pain is Associated with Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Overweight and Obese Children.

This study examined associations between pain, physical activity, physical fitness, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in overweight and obese children. Participants were 270 overweight and obese children 8-12 years of age and their parents. Children were separated into No Pain Frequency, Low Pain Frequency, and High Pain Frequency groups. Children in the Low Pain Frequency group spent less time in moderately intense physical activities compared to the No Pain Frequency group. Children in the High Pain Frequency group reported significantly lower HRQOL in most domains of functioning compared to children in the No Pain and Low Pain Frequency groups. Pain in overweight and obese children may negatively impact physical activity and HRQOL and should be assessed and treated in research and clinical work.

A pilot randomized controlled trial of a behavioral family-based intervention with and without home visits to decrease obesity in preschoolers.

OBJECTIVE: Tested two family-based behavioral treatments for obesity in preschool children, one meeting the Expert Committee guidelines for Stage 3 obesity intervention criteria (LAUNCH-clinic) and one exceeding Stage 3 (LAUNCH with home visit [LAUNCH-HV]), compared with a Stage 1 intervention, pediatrician counseling (PC). METHODS: In all, 42 children aged 2-5 years with a body mass index (BMI) percentile of ≥95th were randomized. A total of 33 met intent-to-treat criteria. Assessments were conducted at baseline, Month 6 (posttreatment), and Month 12 (6-month follow-up). RESULTS: LAUNCH-HV demonstrated a significantly greater decrease on the primary outcome of change in BMI z-score (BMIz) pre- to posttreatment compared with PC (p = .007), whereas LAUNCH-clinic was not significantly different from PC (p = .08). Similar results were found for secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: LAUNCH-HV, but not LAUNCH-clinic, significantly reduced BMIz compared with PC by posttreatment, indicating the need for intensive behavioral intervention, including home visitation, to address weight management in obese preschool children.

Changes in parent motivation predicts changes in body mass index z-score (zBMI) and dietary intake among preschoolers enrolled in a family-based obesity intervention.

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether changes in parent motivation over the course of a pediatric obesity intervention are significantly associated with long-term changes in treatment outcomes. METHODS: Study hypotheses were tested with a secondary data analysis of a randomized controlled trial (N = 42). Study analyses tested whether baseline to posttreatment change in total score for a self-report parent motivation measure (Parent Motivation Inventory [PMI]) was significantly associated with baseline to 6-month follow-up changes in body mass index z-score (zBMI), dietary variables, and physical activity. RESULTS: Increases in PMI were significantly associated with decreased zBMI, decreased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and sweets, and increased consumption of artificially sweetened beverages. CONCLUSIONS: Given that increases in parent motivation were associated with some treatment benefits, future research should evaluate the impact of directly assessing and targeting parent motivation on weight outcomes for preschoolers participating in a weight management program.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of comprehensive behavioral family lifestyle interventions addressing pediatric obesity.

PURPOSE: To conduct a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of comprehensive behavioral family lifestyle interventions (CBFLI) for pediatric obesity. METHOD: Common research databases were searched for articles through April 1, 2013. 20 different studies (42 effect sizes and 1,671 participants) met inclusion criteria. Risk of bias assessment and rating of quality of the evidence were conducted. RESULTS: The overall effect size for CBFLIs as compared with passive control groups over all time points was statistically significant (Hedge's g = 0.473, 95% confidence interval [.362, .584]) and suggestive of a small effect size. Duration of treatment, number of treatment sessions, the amount of time in treatment, child age, format of therapy (individual vs. group), form of contact, and study use of intent to treat analysis were all statistically significant moderators of effect size. CONCLUSION: CBFLIs demonstrated efficacy for improving weight outcomes in youths who are overweight or obese.

Disordered eating and health-related quality of life in overweight and obese children.

OBJECTIVES: To examine disordered eating and associations with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in rural overweight/obese (OW/OB) children. METHODS: Cross-sectional analyses were conducted with 272 rural OW/OB children aged 8-12 years (M = 10.36; SD = 1.39). Child anthropometrics, demographics, disordered eating attitudes, unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCBs), and HRQOL were measured. Relationships between these variables were analyzed using bootstrapped multiple linear regressions. RESULTS: Clinically significant disordered eating attitudes were endorsed by 17% of the sample, and the majority endorsed UWCBs. Disordered eating attitudes and weight status were the most common predictors of HRQOL. Disordered eating attitudes and UWCBs were negatively related to emotional HRQOL but were unrelated to social, school, or physical HRQOL. CONCLUSIONS: Disordered eating is a serious and relevant problem in OW/OB children living in rural areas and may be indicative of impairments in emotional functioning. Early intervention may reduce the risk for eating disorders and associated negative sequelae.

Examination of the association between lifestyle behavior changes and weight outcomes in preschoolers receiving treatment for obesity.

OBJECTIVE: Preschoolers (ages 2-5 years) have been significantly underrepresented in the obesity treatment outcome literature, despite estimates that 12.1% are already obese. As such, little is known about the most important intervention targets for weight management within this age group. The aims of this study were (a) to examine lifestyle behavior changes for 30 obese preschoolers participating in a weight-control intervention and (b) to explore which lifestyle behavior changes predicted changes in body mass index (BMI) z score. METHOD: Preschooler height, weight, diet (three 24-hr recalls), physical activity (accelerometry), and television use (parent report) were measured at baseline and posttreatment (6 months). A linear regression was conducted to examine pre- to posttreatment changes in diet (i.e., intake of calories, sugar-sweetened beverages, fruits and vegetables, and sweet and salty snacks) and activity (i.e., moderate-to-vigorous activity and television use) behaviors on changes in BMI z score. RESULTS: Despite significant reductions in sugar-sweetened beverage intake and television use, and increases in fruit and vegetable intake, only reductions in absolute caloric intake significantly predicted reductions in BMI z score. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that attaining healthy caloric goals may be the most important component of weight-control interventions for preschoolers. Future research using innovative methodologies, such as the Multiphase Optimization Strategy, may be helpful to prospectively identifying the lifestyle behavior changes that are most effective in helping families to achieve healthy weight outcomes for preschoolers and thereby improve intervention efficiency and decrease treatment burden for families.

Nutritional and psychosocial outcomes of gastrostomy tube-dependent children completing an intensive inpatient behavioral treatment program.

OBJECTIVES: Limited published data describe the long-term effects of behavioral strategies to wean children from gastrostomy tube (GT) feeding dependence. This study presents data relating to nutritional and psychosocial outcomes observed during a 1-year period in medically complex GT feeding-dependent patients who completed an inpatient behavioral-based tube weaning protocol. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of prospectively and retrospectively collected data associated with a clinical cohort of 77 children diagnosed as having a feeding disorder, GT feeding dependence (>1 year), and an inability to maintain acceptable growth via oral feeding completing an inpatient tube weaning protocol. Nutritional data (percentage of ideal body weight, and oral energy intake as percent ofenergy goal) and psychosocial data (mealtime behavior problems, quality of caregiver and child interactions, and parenting stress) were assessed pre- and post-hospitalization. Nutritional data were also monitored longitudinally at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postreatment. Data were grouped for retrospective analysis. RESULTS: Mealtime environment and feeding behaviors significantly improved, and all of the patients demonstrated reductions in tube dependence aside from 1 treatment failure. Fifty-one percent of patients were fully weaned from tube feeding after 2 weeks and an additional 12% completed weaning in the outpatient follow-up clinic within 1 year. Patients maintained nutritional stability at the 1-year posttreatment follow-up appointment. CONCLUSIONS: Inpatient behavioral interventions are highly effective and safe for transitioning long-term tube feeding children to oral feeding.

The association between sleep duration and weight in treatment-seeking preschoolers with obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between nocturnal sleep duration and weight and caloric intake outcomes among preschool-aged children who are obese and enrolled in a family-based weight management program. METHODS: Forty-one preschool-aged children who were obese (BMI ≥ 95th percentile) and enrolled in a weight management program completed pre- and posttreatment assessments of body mass, caloric intake, and sleep. Separate linear regression analyses examined the relationship between nocturnal sleep duration and posttreatment body mass index relative to age- and sex-linked norms (BMIz) and caloric intake. RESULTS: After controlling for pretreatment BMIz, longer posttreatment nocturnal sleep was significantly associated with lower posttreatment BMIz (ß=-0.21, p=0.02) and explained a significant proportion of unique variance in posttreatment BMIz (ΔR(2)=0.04). Similarly, after controlling for pretreatment caloric intake, longer nocturnal sleep duration at posttreatment was significantly associated with lower caloric intake at posttreatment (ß=-0.45, p=0.003) and explained a significant proportion of unique variance in posttreatment caloric intake (ΔR(2)=0.19). CONCLUSIONS: These findings extend the literature on the sleep and weight relationship and suggest that adequate sleep may be an important element in interventions for preschoolers with obesity.

Obesity in preschoolers: behavioral correlates and directions for treatment.

Nearly 14% of American preschoolers (ages 2-5) are obese (BMI ≥ 95th percentile for age and gender), yet this group has received little attention in the obesity intervention literature. This review examines what is known about behavioral correlates of obesity in preschoolers and the developmental context for lifestyle modification in this age group. Information was used to critically evaluate existing weight management prevention and intervention programs for preschoolers and formulate suggestions for future intervention research development. A systematic search of the medical and psychological/behavioral literatures was conducted with no date restrictions, using PubMed, PsycInfo, and MEDLINE electronic databases and bibliographies of relevant manuscripts. Evidence suggests several modifiable behaviors, such as sugar sweetened beverage intake, television use, and inadequate sleep, may differentiate obese and healthy weight preschoolers. Developmental barriers, such as food neophobia, food preferences, and tantrums challenge caregiver efforts to modify preschoolers' diet and activity and parental feeding approaches, and family routines appear related to the negative eating and activity patterns observed in obese preschoolers. Prevention programs yield modest success in slowing weight gain, but their effect on already obese preschoolers is unclear. Multi-component, family-based, behavioral interventions show initial promise in positive weight management for already obese preschoolers. Given that obesity intervention research for preschoolers is in its infancy, and the multitude of modifiable behavioral correlates for obesity in this age group, we discuss the use of an innovative and efficient research paradigm (Multiphase Optimization Strategy; MOST) to develop an optimized intervention that includes only treatment components that are found to empirically reduce obesity in preschoolers.

Teacher support of adherence for adolescents with type 1 diabetes: preferred teacher support behaviors and youths' perceptions of support.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine the preferences of adolescents with type 1 diabetes regarding the role of teacher support and perceptions associated with the most supportive and least supportive teachers, as well as to examine the effects of child age and gender on these relationships. Method This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study included 102 adolescents with type 1 diabetes recruited through the outpatient treatment clinic at a Midwestern children's hospital. Adolescents completed demographic questionnaires and questionnaires assessing the role of teacher support. Outcome measures included the newly developed Ideal Teacher Questionnaire, which measured adolescents' preferences for teacher support, and the Diabetes Teacher Support Questionnaire, which evaluated adolescents' perceived frequency of teacher support behaviors and feelings about this support. RESULTS: Youth rated their most supportive teacher as engaging more frequently in support behaviors than their least supportive teacher. Students who expressed a preference for an actively involved teacher had more positive feelings about the support they received from teachers and perceived a higher level of support from their most supportive teacher. Girls perceived a greater frequency of support behaviors than boys and felt more positive about these behaviors. Younger adolescents reported a higher frequency of teacher support behaviors and felt that these behaviors were more supportive. CONCLUSIONS: There are consistent interpersonal differences in adolescents' desires for teacher support of diabetes self-care. It may be important to consider adolescents' preferences for diabetes-related teacher support.