BACKGROUND
The family environment plays an important role in the development of children’s energy-balance related behaviors (EBRBs). As a result, parents’ energy-balance parenting practices (EBRPPs) are eminent targets of preventive childhood obesity programs. Families with a lower socioeconomic position (SEP) may benefit from participating in such programs, but are generally less well reached than families with a higher SEP.
OBJECTIVE
This study describes the application of the Intervention Mapping Protocol (IMP) for the development of an app-based preventive intervention program to promote healthy EBRPPs among parents of children (0-4 years old) with a lower SEP.
METHODS
The six steps of the IMP were used as a theory- and evidence-based framework to guide the development of the app-based preventive intervention program.
RESULTS
In Step 1, behavioral outcomes for the app-based program (ie, children have a healthy dietary intake, sufficient sleep, and restricted screen time/sufficient physical activity) and socio-cognitive (ie, knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy) and automatic (ie, habitual behaviors) determinants of energy-balance related parenting were identified through a needs assessment. In Step 2, the behavioral outcomes were translated into performance objectives. To influence these objectives, in Step 3 theory-based intervention methods were selected for each of the determinants. In Step 4, the knowledge derived from the previous steps allowed for the development of the app-based program Samen Happie! through a process of continuous co-creation with parents and health professionals. In Step 5, community health services were identified as potential adopters for the app. Lastly, in Step 6, two (randomized controlled) trials were designed to evaluate the process and effects of the app among Dutch parents of infants (Trial 1) and preschoolers (Trial 2). These trials were completed in November 2019 (Trial 1) and February 2020 (Trial 2).
CONCLUSIONS
The IMP allowed for effective development of the app-based parenting program Samen Happie! to promote healthy EBRPPs among parents of infants and preschoolers. Through the integration of theory, empirical evidence, and data from the target population, as well as the process of continued co-creation, the program specifically addresses parents with a lower SEP. This increases the potential of the program to prevent the development of obesity in early childhood among families with a lower SEP in particular.
CLINICALTRIAL
Netherlands Trial Register (NTR) NL6727; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/6727
Netherlands Trial Register (NTR) NL7371; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/7371
La prévention des problèmes de comportement à l’adolescence : le Adolescent Transition Program