title: An exploration of factors influencing attrition from a pediatric weight management intervention.
abstract: Pediatric obesity is a public health concern. High attrition from treatment negatively impacts outcomes, particularly among lower income and ethnic minority populations. NOURISH+ is a parent-exclusive childhood weight management treatment targeting at-risk children aged 5-11 years who are overweight or obese. The current study sought to enhance understanding of attrition among at-risk families. NOURISH+ participants completed a survey assessing barriers to treatment adherence. Among low-income, racially diverse families, practical barriers are pressing concerns. The NOURISH+ parent-exclusive approach, although empirically supported, appears inconsistent with caregivers' expectations. Minimizing practical barriers and enhancing child engagement might reduce attrition and improve outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, P.O. Box 842018, Richmond, VA 23284-2018, USA. Electronic address: kwitowskima@vcu.edu.
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kwitowski
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, P.O. Box 980140, Richmond, VA 23298-0140, USA.
authors.forename: Melanie K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Bean
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, P.O. Box 842018, Richmond, VA 23284-2018, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, P.O. Box 980140, Richmond, VA 23298-0140, USA.
authors.forename: Suzanne E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Mazzeo
mesh_terms: D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D050177:Overweight / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010290:Parents; D010352:Patient Dropouts / Q000523:psychology*; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs
keywords: Attrition; Parent; Pediatric obesity; Weight management