Outcomes of an early childhood obesity prevention program in a low‐income community: a pilot, randomized trial. Issue 11 (28th August 2018) - Cloutier, M. M.
Summary: Background: Obesity is a major and worldwide health problem in children. Objectives: The Early Childhood Obesity Prevention Program is a multi‐component, randomized, controlled trial of a pilot community‐focused obesity prevention program for mother/newborn dyads. Methods: Underserved, mother/newborn dyads were recruited to receive a standard home visitation program (Nurturing Families Network, NFN) or an enhanced program (NFN+) that incorporated behavioural change strategies (e.g., goal‐setting, problem‐solving) and focused on six obesity‐associated behaviours (breastfeeding, juice/sugar‐sweetened beverages, solids, infant sleep, TV/screen time and soothability) with linkages to community resources. Weight‐for‐length (WFL) z‐score and maternal diet were secondary outcomes. Results: Fifty‐seven dyads were recruited and 47 fully eligible dyads were enrolled (NFN = 21, NFN+ = 26). Forty‐one (87.2%) were assessed at 6 months and 34 (72.3%) at 12 months. Retention at 12 months was higher for NFN+ dyads (84.6% vs. 56.1%, p = 0.04). NFN+ mothers were more likely to continue breastfeeding at 6 and 12 months vs. NFN mothers ( p = 0.03 and 0.003, respectively), and at 12 months, NFN+ infants had fewer nocturnal awakenings ( p = 0.04). There were no differences in other primary outcome measures or in WFL z‐score at 6 or 12 months. Conclusions: A multi‐component behavioural intervention increased breastfeeding duration and decreased nocturnal awakenings in infants of low‐income families.