A Theory Driven, Rurally Tailored, Family-Based, Telehealth Intervention for Childhood Obesity

This pilot trial aims to improve the lives of individuals in rural Indiana by addressing the leading cause of death, obesity. The purpose is to help children and their families develop healthy behaviors to decrease childhood obesity. The short-term goal of this study to develop a prototype of theory-driven, tailored, family-based, telehealth intervention that can sustainably reduce pediatric obesity rates in rural areas. The long-term goal of this study is to sustainably reduce the rates of pediatric obesity and its consequences in rural areas, via behavioral change. It is hypothesized that after participating in this intervention, children will show improvement in age-based body mass index percentile and improved behavioral indicators related to nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and sedentary behaviors. Additionally, it is hypothesized that parents will show improved attitudes and skills for managing their child's behavior and improved perceived stress and perceived quality of life. Finally, levels of attendance, participation, and technology feasibility will indicate a successful intervention.