WIP 06 - Exploring Facilitators and Challenges for Caregiver Participation in a Virtual Group Support Program for Pediatric Overweight or Obesity

Publication Number: WIP 06.7366

Samantha Gondy, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Lauren Oshman, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Sharon Kileny, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Esther Yoon, University of Michigan Medical School, Canton, MI, United States; Joyce Lee, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States

Background: Childhood obesity in the U.S. poses significant health risks, including cardiovascular complications, weight stigma, and reduced quality of life. The recommended intervention is an intensive health behavior and lifestyle treatment (IHBLT), delivered over twenty-six hours. However, access to IHBLT in person is often limited by barriers such as time constraints, cost, lack of insurance coverage, concerns about weight bias and stigma, and limited program availability and delivery options. Family-based interventions (FBT) have shown effectiveness in managing pediatric obesity, yet access and engagement challenges persist. Factors facilitating participation included parental awareness and prior weight management efforts. However, few studies have explored these factors in the context of virtual programs, leaving a gap in understanding how parents engage with online FBT.

Objective: The study aims to identify the facilitators and barriers affecting caregivers' participation in a virtual group IHBLT program for children with obesity. Additionally, it seeks suggestions for improving engagement and program content to guide the development of future virtual family-based obesity interventions.

Design/Methods: This qualitative study is IRB-exempt. The team will recruit up to 20 parents of children aged 5-14 with obesity (BMI ≥95th percentile) from Washtenaw, Michigan, and surrounding counties through public advertisements, healthcare visits, and community outreach. Data will be collected via semi-structured Zoom interviews, focusing on parents’ experiences with prior weight management efforts, perceived challenges, and expectations for a virtual IHBLT program. This study adopts a weight-neutral approach to reduce stigma and foster inclusivity, addressing a gap in the literature. Interviews will be analyzed in November 2024 using thematic analysis, with purposive sampling prioritizing low-income families and those from marginalized communities. Findings will guide the development of effective virtual family-based interventions.