Process evaluation of the Living Green, Healthy and Thrifty (LiGHT) web-based child obesity management program: combining health promotion with ecology and economy.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a process evaluation of the Living Green, Healthy and Thrifty (LiGHT) program, a novel virtual child obesity management program that combines health promotion with ecology and economy (Phase 1).


METHODS
We carried out a mixed methods process evaluation involving qualitative and quantitative data collection in 3 phases: among 3 child-parent units, (group 1) that informed program development; 9 child-parent units (group 2) that tested the draft program and further aided program refinement; and 17 child-parent units (group 3) for a 4-week pilot of the program. In the program pilot, we assessed participants' knowledge and readiness to change pre- and postintervention and explored perceptions of the program.


RESULTS
Participants generally felt that the online format for program delivery was convenient and accessible, the content was practical, and the integration of health-environment-economy was well received. Many parents also appreciated the involvement of the family. However, the lack of visual appeal and overabundance of text was identified as a challenge, and children/youth in particular requested assurance that their personal information (e.g. weight) was not seen by their parents. The online method of program delivery holds the unique challenge of requiring special efforts to create a sense of personal connection and community. The presence of a "Way-finder" to assist participants and discussion boards/forums are potential solutions.


CONCLUSIONS
The LiGHT online weight management program offers an accessible, convenient weight management resource that children and families appreciate for its availability, broader educational scope, and practicality. Outcome evaluation of LiGHT will be carried out in Phase 2 of the project.
Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit, British Columbia's Children's Hospital and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Maria
M
Jogova
Joshua Eun-Soo
JE
Song
Audrey Clare
AC
Campbell
Darren
D
Warbuton
Tom
T
Warshawski
Jean-Pierre
JP
Chanoine
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
childhood obesity; ecology; economy; health promotion; intervention sur le Web; obésité infantile; prise en charge du poids; promotion de la santé; qualitative evaluation; web-based intervention; weight management; écologie; économie; évaluation qualitative