At a glance
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Cluster Randomised Controlled Feasibility Study of HENRY; a Community Based Intervention Aimed at Reducing School Entry Obesity Rates
In Brief
A clinical study evaluating HENRY for Obesity and Childhood Obesity. Completed, enrolled 115 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
Tackling obesity is a public health priority. Childhood obesity is of particular concern due to its impact on physiological and psychological health and likelihood of tracking into adulthood, with associated diseases and disorders and financial burden to the NHS. Once established, obesity is hard to treat. Therefore, prevention strategies aimed at children are essential. This study aims to determine the feasibility of undertaking a full trial to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the HENRY (Health, Exercise, Nutrition for the Really Young) programme in preventing childhood obesity. It is a multi-centre, open labelled, two group, prospective, cluster randomised, controlled, feasibility study aiming to recruit 120 parents from 12 Children's Centres. HENRY (Health, Exercise, Nutrition for the Really Young) is an 8 week community based intervention delivered in settings such as Children's Centres, aimed at preventing childhood obesity by supporting families to make positive lifestyle changes. It is currently widely delivered across the UK. Preliminary data indicates that HENRY may be effective at reducing childhood obesity and improving family health, although a robust evaluation has not yet been conducted. A good deal of public money has already been used to develop and commission HENRY and it is essential to demonstrate clear benefits of the programme before further funding. This study will determine whether a definitive randomised controlled trial (RCT) of HENRY is feasible. 12 Children's Centres will be recruited from two local authorities. From these, half will be randomised to deliver HENRY programmes. From the participating Children's Centres, 120 parents will be recruited. All participants will be asked to meet with a researcher twice in their home, 12 months apart. During the visit, parents will complete 4 questionnaires around diet and lifestyle. Height and weight measurements will also be taken from the parent (optional) and child (compulsory). The decision of whether a RCT is feasible will be based on whether it is possible to recruit local authorities, children's centres and parents to take part; ensure staff can be adequately trained to deliver programmes within specified timeframes; and whether proposed data can be adequately gathered.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
HENRY is an 8-week programme delivered in Children's Centres, aiming to provide parents with skills and knowledge to support healthy lifestyles in preschool children and their families. It is currently delivered in \~ 35 local areas across England and Wales by trained health and community practitioners. Training includes: Centre Level Training: to equip staff with knowledge and skills to promote and provide healthy nutrition within early years settings and support parents to provide healthy family lifestyles and nutrition for their families. The theoretical underpinning combines proven models of behaviour change including the Family Partnership Model, motivational interviewing and solution-focused support. Practitioner Level Training: to deliver the 8-week HENRY programme, which aims to build parents' skills, knowledge and confidence to change old habits and provide healthier nutrition for their young children.