Intervening to Reduce Sedentary Behaviors and Childhood Obesity among School-Age Youth: A Systematic Review of Randomized Trials

Objective. To assess the effectiveness of interventions that focus on reducing sedentary behavior (SB) among school-age youth and to identify elements associated with interventions' potential for translation into practice settings. Methods. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using 4 databases for peer-reviewed studies published between 1980 and April 2011. Randomized trials, which lasted at least 12 weeks, aimed at decreasing SB among children aged 6 to 19 years were identified. Results. Twelve studies were included; 3 focused only on SB, 1 focused on physical activity (PA), 6 were combined SB and PA interventions, and 2 studies targeted SB, PA, and diet. The majority of the studies were conducted in a school setting, while others were conducted in such settings as clinics, community centers, and libraries. Conclusions. Overall, interventions that focused on decreasing SB were associated with reduction in time spent on SB and/or improvements in anthropometric measurements related to childhood obesity. Several of the studies did consider elements related to the intervention's potential for translation into practice settings

Family-based childhood obesity prevention interventions: a systematic review and quantitative content analysis

Background: A wide range of interventions has been implemented and tested to prevent obesity in children. Given parents’ influence and control over children’s energy-balance behaviors, including diet, physical activity, media use, and sleep, family interventions are a key strategy in this effort. The objective of this study was to profile the field of recent family-based childhood obesity prevention interventions by employing systematic review and quantitative content analysis methods to identify gaps in the knowledge base. Methods: Using a comprehensive search strategy, we searched the PubMed, PsycIFO, and CINAHL databases to identify eligible interventions aimed at preventing childhood obesity with an active family component published between 2008 and 2015. Characteristics of study design, behavioral domains targeted, and sample demographics were extracted from eligible articles using a comprehensive codebook. Results: More than 90% of the 119 eligible interventions were based in the United States, Europe, or Australia. Most interventions targeted children 2–5 years of age (43%) or 6–10 years of age (35%), with few studies targeting the prenatal period (8%) or children 14–17 years of age (7%). The home (28%), primary health care (27%), and community (33%) were the most common intervention settings. Diet (90%) and physical activity (82%) were more frequently targeted in interventions than media use (55%) and sleep (20%). Only 16% of interventions targeted all four behavioral domains. In addition to studies in developing countries, racial minorities and non-traditional families were also underrepresented. Hispanic/Latino and families of low socioeconomic status were highly represented. Conclusions: The limited number of interventions targeting diverse populations and obesity risk behaviors beyond diet and physical activity inhibit the development of comprehensive, tailored interventions. To ensure a broad evidence base, more interventions implemented in developing countries and targeting racial minorities, children at both ends of the age spectrum, and media and sleep behaviors would be beneficial. This study can help inform future decision-making around the design and funding of family-based interventions to prevent childhood obesity. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12966-017-0571-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

Psychosocial And Friend Influences On Objective Sedentary Behavior And Screen Time: A Mixed Methods Analysis

Background: Sedentary behavior (SB) increases throughout adolescence, and is associated with adverse health outcomes. Purpose: Examine psychosocial and friend influences on SB and screen time in adolescents using a mixed-methods design. Methods: 108 middle and high school students wore accelerometers to measure objective SB, completed screen time and psychosocial questionnaires, and nominated friends to complete activity questionnaires. Focus groups centered around influences on SB behavior. Regression analyses and NVivo software analyzed quantitative and qualitative data. Results: Screen time was associated with greater screen time enjoyment, lower self-efficacy, and friends\u27 screen time (r2 = .21, P \u3c .0001). Friends influenced whether adolescents engaged in screen time behaviors, with active friends encouraging less screen time. Conclusion: Active friends influenced adolescents to engage in less SB. Interventions should place an emphasis on encouraging less screen time, and providing opportunities for adolescents and their friends to engage in activities that promote physical activity rather than SB

Additional file 3: Table S1. of Family-based childhood obesity prevention interventions: a systematic review and quantitative content analysis

Intervention characteristics of family-based childhood obesity prevention interventions separating studies with evaluations from protocols. (DOCX 116 kb

Additional file 1: of Family-based childhood obesity prevention interventions: a systematic review and quantitative content analysis

Full search strategy for PubMed database to identify eligible family-based childhood obesity prevention interventions published between 2008 and 2015. (DOCX 135 kb

Additional file 2: of Family-based childhood obesity prevention interventions: a systematic review and quantitative content analysis

List of eligible articles published between 2008 and 2015 detailing a family-based childhood obesity prevention intervention. (DOCX 210 kb