Anticipatory Guidance to Prevent Childhood Obesity
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Publication
Journal: Contemporary Clinical Trials
August/29/2011
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Conducting longitudinal research studies with low-income and/or minority participants present a unique set of challenges and opportunities.
OBJECTIVE
To outline the specific strategies employed to successfully recruit and retain participants in a longitudinal study of nutritional anticipatory guidance during early childhood, conducted with a low-income, ethnically diverse, urban population of mothers.
METHODS
We describe recruitment and retention efforts made by the research team for the 'MOMS' Study (Making Our Mealtimes Special). The 'multilayered' approach for recruitment and retention included commitment of research leadership, piloting procedures, frequent team reporting, emphasis on participant convenience, incentives, frequent contact with participants, expanded budget, clinical staff buy-in, a dedicated phone line, and the use of research project branding and logos.
RESULTS
Barriers to enrollment were not encountered in this project, despite recruiting from a low-income population with a large proportion of African-American families. Process evaluation with clinic staff demonstrated the perception of the MOMS staff was very positive. Participant retention rate was 75% and 64% at 6 months and 12 months post-recruitment, respectively. We attribute retention success largely to a coordinated effort between the research team and the infrastructure support at the clinical sites, as well as project branding and a dedicated phone line.
CONCLUSIONS
Successful participant recruitment and retention approaches need to be specific and consistent with clinical staff buy in throughout the project.
Publication
Journal: Clinical Pediatrics
July/28/2009
Abstract
The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in the United States has increased by more than 100% since 1971. Primary care clinicians have a unique opportunity to influence child health during the first year of life via anticipatory guidance (AG). However, little is known about whether AG regarding feeding and meal structure is effective in promoting optimal nutrition and eating behaviors. The purpose of this project, "Making our Mealtimes Special" (MOMS), was to assess 2 distinct methods of pediatric AG during infancy versus a "usual care" condition, with the ultimate goal of prevention of childhood overweight and obesity. The purpose of this article is to describe the ( a) study design and rationale, (b) implementation plan, (c ) assessment of outcomes, and (d) population enrolled. This project will generate important information on the usefulness of nutritional AG during the first year of life in promoting healthy eating behaviors during early childhood.