Mixed methods feasibility and usability testing of a childhood obesity risk estimation tool, BMC Public Health

Background A Childhood Obesity Risk Estimation tool (SLOPE CORE) has been developed based on prediction models using routinely available maternity and early childhood data to estimate risk of childhood obesity at 4–5 years. This study aims to test the feasibility, acceptability and usability of SLOPE CORE within an enhanced health visiting (EHV) service in the UK, as one context in which this tool could be utilised. Methods A mixed methods approach was used to assess feasibility of implementing SLOPE CORE. Health Visitors (HVs) were trained to use the tool, and in the processes for recruiting parents into the study. HVs were recruited using purposive sampling and parents by convenience sampling. HVs and parents were invited to take part in interviews or focus groups to explore their experiences of the tool. HVs were asked to complete a system usability scale (SUS) questionnaire. Results Five HVs and seven parents took part in the study. HVs found SLOPE CORE easy to use with a mean SUS of 84.4, (n = 4, range 70–97.5) indicating excellent usability. Five HVs and three parents took part in qualitative work. The tool was acceptable and useful for both parents and HVs. Parents expressed a desire to know their child’s risk of future obesity, provided this was accompanied by additional information, or support to modify risk. HVs appreciated the health promotion opportunity that the tool presented and felt that it facilitated difficult conversations around weight, by providing ‘clinical evidence’ for risk, and placing the focus of the conversation onto the tool result, rather than their professional judgement. The main potential barriers to use of the tool included the need for internet access, and concerns around time needed to have a sensitive discussion around a conceptually difficult topic (risk). Conclusions SLOPE CORE could potentially be useful in clinical practice. It may support targeting limited resources towards families most at risk of childhood obesity. Further research is needed to explore how the tool might be efficiently incorporated into practice, and to evaluate the impact of the tool, and any subsequent interventions, on preventing childhood obesity.

Nutrients, Free Full-Text

Healthcare, Free Full-Text

IJERPH, Free Full-Text

An equitable, community-engaged translational framework for science in human lactation and infant feeding—a report from “Breastmilk Ecology: Genesis of Infant Nutrition (BEGIN)” Working Group 5 - The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Prevalence of PErioperAtive CHildhood obesitY in children undergoing general anaesthesia in the UK: a prospective, multicentre, observational cohort study - British Journal of Anaesthesia

Predicting the risk of childhood overweight and obesity at 4–5

Frontiers Evaluating the effectiveness and implementation of evidence-based early-life nutrition interventions in a community setting a hybrid type 1 non-randomized trial – the Nutrition Now project protocol

The effectiveness of e‐health interventions for the treatment of overweight or obesity in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta‐ analysis - Azevedo - 2022 - Obesity Reviews - Wiley Online Library

Nutrients, Free Full-Text

A youth empowerment intervention to prevent childhood obesity: design and methods for a cluster randomized trial of the H2GO! program, BMC Public Health

Methods for Assessing Health Outcomes Associated with Food Insecurity in the United States College Student Population: A Narrative Review - Advances in Nutrition

Policy Interventions toTackle the Obesogenic Environment by Scottish Collaboration for Public Health Research & Policy (SCPHRP) - Issuu

Advertising Policies: Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Digital Health