This study assessed the feasibility and efficacy of the Active Families Program, developed to increase outdoor play and decrease television viewing among preschool-aged children enrolled in the WIC Program. Compared with the children at baseline, the children at follow-up were more likely to watch television less than 2 hours per day and play outdoors for at least 60 minutes per day.
This study evaluated the success of a WIC-based intervention on changing food and beverage intake, physical activity, and TV viewing of children ages 1 to 5. The intervention influenced TV watching and fruit intake and was particularly protective for children ages 2 and younger. The results provided evidence that WIC is an appropriate setting for health behavior interventions to prevent obesity.
This descriptive-correlational study examines the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of behavior change in relation to the physical activity behavior of WIC mothers. Relationships between stage of behavior change and other TTM constructs were found and helped inform strategies to increase physical activity in this population.
The aim of this study was to pilot test "Moms on the Move" a Transtheoretical Model (TTM)-derived physical activity intervention for low-income mothers enrolled in the WIC Program. The intervention was effective in getting sedentary moms to move, as the intervention group had higher physical activity levels.
The researchers identified the barriers to and motivators of behavior change for WIC families. Barriers included lack of parenting skills, lack of knowledge, unhealthy social environments, lack of time, and lack of social or financial support. The motivators included feelings of responsibility, concern for child health and development, and positive social support. Facilitated discussions, support groups, cooking classes, and a WIC website were participants; preferred methods of nutrition education.
The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which NY Fit WIC, a childhood obesity prevention initiative, was adopted and implemented by the New York State WIC Program. All agencies carried out a variety of activities. The researchers suggested that given a very strong adoption of the program, an outcome evaluation was warranted, to help determine behavior change.
Researchers conducted a systematic review of literature on obesity prevention and other healthy eating and physical activity interventions targeted at children ages 0 to 5 years old. While there was variety in study design, most interventions were multifaceted and showed at least some level of effectiveness for obesity prevention behavior in this population.
The purpose of this study was to help determine material for developing a childhood obesity prevention program for multi-ethnic parents. researchers concluded that intervention components should focus on parent self-efficacy and incorporate themes specific for ethnic groups. The authors also suggested that there was a need for culturally sensitive health and nutrition information.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether greater nutrition knowledge or gains in knowledge promoted more successful weight loss in low-income overweight and obese mothers with young children. The findings revealed that participants with overall greater knowledge lost the most weight.
The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes, perceptions, and practices of WIC staff in Virginia, in educating WIC participants about topics related to childhood overweight. WIC staff reported a lack of comfort, practice, and confidence in addressing childhood overweight. researchers concluded that staff training, health promotion programs, and culturally relevant educational materials would help staff become knowledgeable and promote self-efficacy about childhood overweight-related topics.
