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Abstract
In this article, we describe the development and feasibility evaluation of Parents and Tots Together (PTT), a family-based obesity prevention intervention that embeds weight-related messages within a general parenting programme. To inform the development of PTT, we conducted 5 focus groups with 19 racially/ethnically diverse parents to examine parents' key concerns and usual practices related to child-rearing and children's weight-related behaviours. Results from the focus groups showed that issues related to general parenting (e.g. discipline) were of primary concern to parents, suggesting that combining weight-related messages with general parenting support may be an effective strategy to engage parents of preschool-aged children. To determine the feasibility of PTT, we conducted a pilot study with 16 racially/ethnically diverse parents. The programme was well received by parents; 69% of the parents attended six or more of the nine sessions and 80% reported that they were ‘very satisfied’ with the programme.
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by Robert H. Ebert Fellowship, Eleanor and Miles Shore Scholars in Medicine Program, Department of Population Medicine, Faculty Scholars Grant and American Heart Association, Scientist Development Grant, National Affiliate (09SDG2050153), and National Institutes of Health (K24 HL 060804; Gillman). The authors thank the parents who generously gave their time to participate in this research.