Intervention INC: An Interactive Family-centered mHealth Tool to Reduce Obesity Risk in Urban Minority Preadolescents

Launched by TUFTS UNIVERSITY · Jun 29, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The clinical trial titled "Intervention INC" is studying a new mobile health tool designed to help families reduce the risk of obesity in children aged 8 to 12 years. The goal is to see if this tool can help improve the body weight and eating habits of children, particularly those who identify as Black/African-American or Latino. The study will involve 200 child-parent pairs who will be divided into two groups: one will use the new health tool, and the other will not. Researchers believe that the children using the tool will show greater improvements in their weight and dietary choices over a year compared to the children not using it.

To participate, children must be between 8 and 12 years old, have a Body Mass Index (BMI) in the healthy, overweight, or obese range, and have access to the internet and a device like a smartphone or tablet. Parents or guardians must be involved and also have regular internet access. Participants will complete questionnaires and attend in-person visits throughout the study, which lasts for 12 months. This trial is currently recruiting, and it offers an opportunity for families to work together on healthier lifestyle changes while contributing to important research.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria (child):
• • self-identifies as Black/African-American and/or Latino
• • between ages 8 and 12 years (preadolescents) at time of scheduled baseline visits
• • reads and speaks in English
• • has a Body Mass Index percentile at or above 5% at baseline (categorized as healthy, overweight, or obese)
• • has regular internet access via a tablet device, smartphone, or computer/laptop
• • has regular access to a phone with texting capability
• • is comfortable reading/viewing material on electronic devices
• • is comfortable speaking with study staff about thoughts/experiences while participating in study
• • has a legal parent/guardian willing to participate in study
• Inclusion Criteria (parent):
• • legal parent/guardian of child willing to participate in study
• • reads and speaks in English or Spanish
• • primarily responsible for preparing/purchasing food for child
• • has regular internet access via a tablet device, smartphone, or computer/laptop
• • has regular access to a phone with texting capability
• • comfortable reading/viewing material on electronic devices
• • able to attend in-person study visits and complete online questionnaires with their child over the full duration of study
• Exclusion Criteria (child):
• • has allergies, food aversions, food disorders, or medications with side-effects that may impact participation in study
• • has a pacemaker or heart condition
• • in foster care