Food-Body-Mind Intervention (16 Weeks)

Launched by MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY · Sep 13, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new program called the Food-Body-Mind intervention, which aims to support the mental health and social skills of young children aged 3 to 5 years old. The trial focuses on preschoolers from diverse backgrounds who attend Head Start programs in both urban and rural areas. By improving their emotional well-being and teaching healthy habits, the researchers hope to help reduce health disparities among children from low-income families.

To participate, children must be enrolled in a Head Start program and have parental consent. Caregivers should also be comfortable using Facebook or a private website, as these will be used for the program. It's important to note that children with certain disabilities or medical conditions that affect their ability to eat a variety of foods or participate in physical activities will not be eligible. If you choose to participate, you can expect to engage in activities that promote healthy eating and social interactions over a 16-week period, with the goal of improving your child's overall well-being.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Parental consent and child (if the child is 5 years) verbal assent received
• • 2. Children are 3-5 years old attending a Head Start program and caregivers are the primary adult caregivers for the children
• • 3. Caregivers are willing to use Facebook or the private program website for participation
• • 4. Participants have at least weekly internet access using a smartphone, a tablet, or a computer
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. preschoolers who have a motor disability or impairment (e.g., cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, lost or damaged limb, motor skills disorder, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida) preventing them from participating in any physical activity;
• • 2. preschoolers who have a diagnosed medical condition (e.g., phenylketonuria, pediatric malabsorption syndrome, pollen food allergy syndrome) requiring a restrict diet and precluding them from any dietary changes particularly fruit/vegetable intake; and
• • 3. preschoolers who have diagnosed disorders (e.g., autism spectrum disorder level 3) causing severe difficulty (e.g., nonverbal, cannot initiate social interaction) with communication and interaction with other people.
• • There will be no exclusion criterion for primary adult caregivers, as the primary focus is preschoolers and caregivers serve as a support role.