Mentoring to be Active for Rural Appalachia Children

Launched by OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · Feb 24, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called "Mentoring to be Active for Rural Appalachia Children," is focused on helping children in rural Appalachia become more physically active. The program combines support from older peers who mentor younger kids and guidance for their families to encourage long-term healthy habits. It aims to improve physical activity among children who are overweight or obese, as these communities often face challenges that lead to less exercise and higher rates of obesity and diabetes.

To be eligible for this study, children must be in 7th grade and have a higher body mass index (BMI) for their age, meaning they are considered overweight or obese. They need to have access to the internet and a device like a computer or tablet. Parents should be able to read at a 5th-grade level and speak English. High school students in 10th or 11th grade can also become mentors if they are interested in helping younger peers. Participants can expect to receive support and resources to help them stay active without needing special equipment, while also building a supportive community around them.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• Children:
• • enrolled in 7th grade at the start of the study,
• • have a body mass index percentile of 85th or greater for age and gender,
• • not under medical care for OB or type 1 diabetes,
• • have reliable internet connection at home,
• • have access to a computer, laptop or tablet at home,
• • not expected to move from the participating county before the conclusion of the study.
• Parents:
• • read at a 5th grade-level,
• • speak English,
• • have a home-mailing address (not PO box),
• • have a working telephone number, and
• • are not expected to move from the participating county before study conclusion.
• High school peer mentors:
• • are in either 10th or 11th grade at the start of the recruitment,
• • reside in a targeted county,
• • interested in working with peers, supporting others, and striving to cultivate their own health-supportive behaviors,
• • have reliable internet connection at home,
• • have access to a computer, laptop or tablet at home,
• • are not expected to move before the intervention ends,
• • can speak English,
• • are recommended by a teacher, school advisor, or counselor.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• Child:
• • not in 7th grade at the start of the study.
• • not able to read or Speak English;
• • not classified as either overweight or obese at start of study.
• Parents :
• • - not able to read or speak English.
• High school peer mentors:
• • - cannot speak and read English.