Parent Knowledge and Child Success in a Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Program

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a 10-week multicomponent healthy eating (HE) and physical activity (PA) intervention and draw conclusions about which program components promote weight-related success. Methods: Participants completed questionnaires pre/post program. Data collected include height/weight, demographics, knowledge, self-efficacy, social support, and behavior. We used t-tests, correlations, and logistic regression to examine relationships. Results: Overall, 28 children (mean age: 10.9 ± 1.7; mean BMI: 30.5 ± 6.0; 65.6% black) and 16 parents completed both questionnaires. Both children and parents significantly improved their HE and PA knowledge. Only 28% of the children lost any weight. Weight-related success was associated with an increase in parent HE knowledge and behavior. Conclusions: Child success is multi-faceted, and can depend on program attendance, body composition, and self-monitoring in addition to parent knowledge.