The Implementation of a Blended In-Person and Online Family-Based Childhood Obesity Management Program: A Process Evaluation Pilot Study

TL;DR

A 10-week childhood obesity program combining in-person and online elements was evaluated for its implementation and found to be acceptable but faced challenges in recruitment and attendance.

Contribution

This study provides a process evaluation of a blended childhood obesity program, identifying implementation barriers and facilitators for future scale-up.

Findings

The program reached diverse families but faced barriers like transportation and scheduling.

Program acceptability was high, with satisfaction ratings over 4/5.

Implementation challenges included recruitment and limited time for material delivery.

Abstract

Background: The Early Intervention Program (EIP) was a 10-week family-based healthy living intervention for children with a BMI-for-age ≥85th percentile. The effectiveness of the EIP has been previously demonstrated; however, its implementation has not been fully described. Process evaluations provide valuable insight into implementation and improve ongoing intervention delivery. Objective: The aim was to evaluate recruitment, intervention content, delivery, and implementation for quality improvement and to inform potential scale-up. Methods: A mixed-methods process evaluation design was used and represented one component of a Type I hybrid effectiveness trial. Results: The EIP reached diverse ethnic, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds (n = 47). Participation barriers were transportation, scheduling, and illness. Participation facilitators were the free cost and family recreation pass, sibling inclusion, and location. Program acceptability/satisfaction was rated over 4/5 for all measures. Implementation barriers were recruitment, small group size, attendance, and limited time to deliver material. Implementation facilitators were high compatibility and feasibility, as well as the provided resources. Staff interviews showed high acceptability/satisfaction across all sites. Conclusion: The EIP was highly acceptable and feasible for families and delivery partners, but recruitment, attendance, and online engagement were implementation challenges. Program adjustments are recommended prior to scale-up. These strengths and limitations can help to inform other multi-site childhood healthy living interventions.