New Start: A Family-Based Educational Program for a Predominantly Hispanic Pediatric Practice

Bramlett, Traci R.

Purpose:

The New Start program was developed to address needs related to childhood obesity in an outpatient pediatric clinic located in Northwest Georgia. The pediatric clinic services over 9,000 clients. Approximately 82% of the clients are of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity and the overweight/obesity rate is 44%.

The purpose of the project was to design and implement the New Start family-based educational program in an outpatient pediatric clinic. Objectives of the project were to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, short-term effectiveness, sustainability, and ongoing costs of the program.

Methods:

The family-based educational program utilized an interdisciplinary team to design and implement the pilot program specific to the predominantly Hispanic pediatric clinic. The New Start program curriculum included education and activities in the areas of physical activity and dietary behaviors. Attendees of the program were children 7 to 12 years of age and a parent/guardian. The program included four sessions that extended over two weeks. A demographic questionnaire, child BMI, HABITS questionnaire evaluating diet and activity lifestyle behaviors, and satisfaction survey were used to evaluate program evaluation participants and the program.

Results:

Program evaluation child participants (n=6) had a BMI greater than the 95^th percentile, were Hispanic, and a parent/guardian. Pre and post program BMI were not significantly different (p=0.7) from the beginning to the end of the program. However, four participants lost weight and two participants’ weight remained the same. HABITS total scores were significantly improved (p=0.03) from the beginning to the end of the program. HABITS diet scores were significantly improved (p=0.03) from the beginning to the end of the program. HABITS activity scores (p=0.14) were not significantly improved from the beginning to the end of the program. All participants were satisfied and would recommend the program to others.

Conclusion:

The program was successful as evidenced by 26 attendees, indications of improved dietary behaviors, child weight loss, and participant satisfaction. Suggestions for future projects and research include expanding the age range of children, including the entire family, and long term evaluation to assess the impact on child BMI.