title: Longitudinal quality of life improvement in underserved rural youth with obesity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  ACT! (Actively Changing Together) is a family- and community-based intervention targeting youth with obesity. The objective of this study was to establish the longitudinal impact on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) as well as the relationship with anthropometric and demographic factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Youth (n= 75) aged 8-14 years meeting criteria for overweight or obesity were referred to the programme. Twelve, 90-min classes in English and Spanish were held at the YMCA. Demographics and anthropometrics were assessed, as well as HRQoL that was measured with the child-reported Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™) 4.0 Generic Core Scale. Data was collected at three follow-up points after completion of the intervention: initial follow-up (n= 65), 6 (n= 41) and 12 months (n= 25). Analysis included paired dependentt-tests between baseline and follow-up, and Pearson's correlations on HRQoL, anthropometric and demographic data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  PedsQL scores significantly improved from baseline to all follow-up timepoints (initial follow-up immediately following the intervention, and 6 and 12 months post intervention). Over time, body mass index Z-Score and per cent body fat displayed various points of significance and strengthening correlations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Longitudinal improvements in HRQoL were sustained up to 12 months following a family- and community-based intervention in this underserved population. Anthropometric measures continuously correlated with and contributed to HRQoL outcomes.
authors.affiliation: College of Osteopathic Medicine Pacific Northwest University Yakima WA USA.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Engebretsen
authors.affiliation: College of Osteopathic Medicine Pacific Northwest University Yakima WA USA.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sorrells
authors.affiliation: Center for Clinical and Translational Research Seattle Children's Research Institute Seattle WA USA.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Yi-Frazier
authors.affiliation: College of Osteopathic Medicine Pacific Northwest University Yakima WA USA.
authors.forename: K Briggs
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Early
keywords: Behavioural science; childhood obesity; lifestyle modification; quality of life