Evaluation of a feasibility study addressing risk factors for childhood obesity through home visits.
OBJECTIVE
This pilot study aimed to explore the feasibility of addressing risk factors for childhood obesity through a home-based early intervention program.


METHODS
A pilot study was conducted with 56 first-time mothers, recruited through the antenatal and delivery units of an inner western Sydney hospital. The study offered five home visits by a community early childhood health nurse during the child's first year of life. At each visit, the intervention was tailored to the appropriate developmental stage of the child. One-to-one consultation was provided with a focus on sustained breastfeeding, appropriate introduction of solids, avoiding food rewards and promoting the drinking of water and the use of a cup. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were applied to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the program.


RESULTS
The results indicate that the program was very well received by the participating mothers, with a retention rate of 95%. Compared with the state population average, the rate of breastfeeding at 12 months was significantly higher (36% vs. 18%, chi(2)= 8.21, P < 0.01), there was a lower rate of the introduction of solids before 4 months (2% vs. 13%, chi(2)= 8.73, P < 0.01), and there was a high rate of cup usage at 12 months (98%).


CONCLUSIONS
The early onset of childhood overweight and obesity requires health promotion intervention programs to commence as early as possible. A home-based intervention through multiple home visits is feasible in addressing the risk factors for childhood obesity.
Wen
Li Ming
LM
Health Promotion Service, Sydney South West Area Health Service, Camperdown, NSW, Australia. lmwen@email.cs.nsw.gov.au
De Domenico
Maria
M
Elliott
Donna
D
Bindon
Jeni
J
Rissel
Chris
C
D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006792:House Calls; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education*; D009517:New South Wales; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012307:Risk Factors; D014504:Urban Health; D055815:Young Adult