Results of a multi-level intervention to prevent and control childhood obesity among Latino children: the Aventuras Para Niños Study.
BACKGROUND
Community-based interventions are needed to reduce the burden of childhood obesity.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the impact of a multi-level promotora-based (Community Health Advisor) intervention to promote healthy eating and physical activity and prevent excess weight gain among Latino children.


METHODS
Thirteen elementary schools were randomized to one of four intervention conditions: individual/family level (Family-only), school/community level (Community-only), combined (Family + Community), or a measurement-only condition. Participants were 808 Latino parents and their children enrolled in kindergarten through 2(nd) grade. Measures included parent and child body mass index (BMI) and a self-administered parent survey that assessed several parent and child behaviors.


RESULTS
There were no significant intervention effects on children's BMI z-score. The family intervention changed several obesity-related child behaviors (e.g., fruit/vegetable consumption) and these were mediated by changes in parenting variables (e.g., parent monitoring).


CONCLUSIONS
A promotora-based behavioral intervention was efficacious at changing parental factors and child obesity-related health behaviors.
Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, 9245 Sky Park Court, San Diego, CA 92123, USA. ncrespo@projects.sdsu.edu
Noe C
NC
Crespo
John P
JP
Elder
Guadalupe X
GX
Ayala
Donald J
DJ
Slymen
Nadia R
NR
Campbell
James F
JF
Sallis
Thomas L
TL
McKenzie
Barbara
B
Baquero
Elva M
EM
Arredondo
D001524:Behavioral Medicine; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002140:California; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D003153:Community Health Services; D015444:Exercise; D005190:Family / Q000208:ethnology*; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016487:Parenting; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education*; D012572:School Health Services; D012574:Schools