Treating rural pediatric obesity through telemedicine: Outcomes from a small randomized controlled trial

Ann Mc Grath Davis*, Marilyn Sampilo, Katherine Steiger Gallagher, Yasuko Landrum, Brett Malone

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

78 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective The objective of the current study was to examine the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary weekly family-based behavioral group delivered via telemedicine to rural areas, compared with a standard physician visit intervention. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 58 rural children and their families comparing a family-based behavioral intervention delivered via telemedicine to a structured physician visit condition. Outcome measures included child body mass index z-score (BMIz), 24-hr dietary recalls, accelerometer data, Child Behavior Checklist, Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale, and feasibility and fidelity. Results Child BMIz outcomes were not statistically different between the 2 groups (F = 0.023, p =. 881). Improvements in BMIz, nutrition, and physical activity were seen for both groups. Conclusions Both telemedicine and structured physician visit may be feasible and acceptable methods of delivering pediatric obesity treatment to rural children.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)932-943
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of pediatric psychology
Volume38
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • obesity
  • randomized controlled trial
  • weight management

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

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