A Preliminary Investigation of Child, Parent and Programme Leader Reflections on Participation in and Delivery of a Family-Based Weight Intervention Programme.

Childhood obesity is considered to be the greatest public health risk to children today, placing youth at considerable risk for adult obesity and consequent CVD, diabetes, liver dysfunction, and other morbidities (Nathan & Moran, 2008: Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity, 15(1), 21–29). As a result numerous interventions with the potential to reduce obesity levels or associated risk of chronic diseases have been devised (Flynn et al., 2006: Obesity Reviews, 7(1), 7–66). Not withstanding the need for further quantitative evaluation of the effect of such interventions, key publications have now called for qualitative evaluations to be undertaken in order to create an evidence base from the views of participants that may highlight why certain interventions may be more, or less successful (Luttikhuis et al., 2009: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (1), 1–185). In response to these very recent calls, the present study aimed to present using qualitative enquiry preliminary findings of parent, child and programme leader experiences of, reflections on and future intentions following participation in and delivery of a nationally implemented family-based weight intervention programme in the UK. Following institutional ethical approval, six families and one programme leader volunteered to participate in a semi-structured interview. Seven individual interviews were completed a mean of 8 weeks post-programme. Examples of questions asked include: What were your experiences of the nutrition sessions? What improvements could be made to these sessions? All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using informal thematic analysis as described by Braun & Clarke (2006: Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3, 77–101. Results were clearly delineated into practical programme considerations and participant experiences and reflections. In respect of programme design, there was a consensus that increased postprogramme support was required. Suggestions such as newsletters, e-mail circulation and reunions were raised. Furthermore, there was a consensus that to optimise the intervention strategy, the continuation of regular activity sessions per se should be considered. Participant reflections fell into three main themes: new interest, importance of relationships and future intentions. The most promising issue highlighted by the children was a new interest towards positive health behaviours, which included increasing physical activity and an awareness of what constitutes a ‘‘healthy’’ diet. These findings highlight the experiences and reflections that participants of a weight intervention consider important. The views elicited upon practical considerations will help to inform the organisation, content, implementation and nature of future intervention programmes in order to enhance their effectiveness.