Preventing childhood obesity, phase II feasibility study focusing on South Asians: BEACHeS.
OBJECTIVE
To assess feasibility and acceptability of a multifaceted, culturally appropriate intervention for preventing obesity in South Asian children, and to obtain data to inform sample size for a definitive trial.


METHODS
Phase II feasibility study of a complex intervention.


METHODS
8 primary schools in inner city Birmingham, UK, within populations that are predominantly South Asian.


METHODS
1090 children aged 6-8 years took part in the intervention. 571 (85.9% from South Asian background) underwent baseline measures. 85.5% (n=488) were followed up 2 years later.


METHODS
The 1-year intervention consisted of school-based and family-based activities, targeting dietary and physical activity behaviours. The intervention was modified and refined throughout the period of delivery.


METHODS
Acceptability and feasibility of the intervention and of measurements required to assess outcomes in a definitive trial. The difference in body mass index (BMI) z-score between arms was used to inform sample size calculations for a definitive trial.


RESULTS
Some intervention components (increasing school physical activity opportunities, family cooking skills workshops, signposting of local leisure facilities and attending day event at a football club) were feasible and acceptable. Other components were acceptable, but not feasible. Promoting walking groups was neither acceptable nor feasible. At follow-up, children in the intervention compared with the control group were less likely to be obese (OR 0.41; 0.19 to 0.89), and had lower adjusted BMI z-score (-0.15 kg/m(2); 95% CI -0.27 to -0.03).


CONCLUSIONS
The feasibility study informed components for an intervention programme. The favourable direction of outcome for weight status in the intervention group supports the need for a definitive trial. A cluster randomised controlled trial is now underway to assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the intervention.


BACKGROUND
ISRCTN51016370.
School of Health & Population Sciences (Public Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Primary Care Clinical Sciences), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
Peymané
P
Adab
Miranda J
MJ
Pallan
Janet
J
Cade
Ulf
U
Ekelund
Timothy
T
Barrett
Amanda
A
Daley
Jonathan
J
Deeks
Joan
J
Duda
Paramjit
P
Gill
Jayne
J
Parry
Raj
R
Bhopal
K K
KK
Cheng
D044466:Asian People / Q000208:ethnology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012574:Schools
Children; Obesity; Prevention