Population Health
Health Promotion

Past Projects

Healthy Beginnings Research Project

Health Promotion - Healthy Beginnings Research ProjectSurveys of school-aged children show that about one in five children are overweight or obese. Surveys of pre-school children also show similar rates, indicating that the causes of childhood weight problems may occur early. To prevent childhood obesity, programs need to begin in the first years of life.

To assist in addressing overweight and obesity in early childhood we conducted a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of an early, family-focused, home-visiting intervention.

What we did
Commencing in 2007, approximately 670 first-time mothers, living in the Liverpool and Macarthur areas of south western Sydney, have participated in the study. Most were recruited through hospital-based antenatal clinics.

Once recruited, the first-time mothers were randomly allocated into either an intervention or control group.

Those in the intervention group received 8 home visits from a trained research nurse. The home visits occurred during the antenatal period and at 1, 3, 5, 8, 12, 15 and 24 months after the baby was born.

The visits focused on factors associated with healthy weight gain and physical activity, such as breastfeeding support, delaying the introduction of solids, using a cup, healthy food options, tummy time and positive play, minimising sedentary behaviour and TV watching, and physical activity for the whole family. Pro-active telephone support was also provided by a research nurse.

The families in the control group received the usual childhood nursing service as provided by SSWAHS, comprising of 1 home visit by a community nurse within a month of birth plus possible baby clinic visits. Also, for data collection purposes, 2 additional home visits occurred at 12 and 24 months. These families also received home safety information.

Health Promotion - Healthy Beginnings Research ProjectWhat we found
The study found that the mean BMI (at 24 months) for children in the intervention was significantly lower by 0.38kg/m2 and 11.2% of the intervention group were overweight or obese compared with 14.1% of the control group, which has public health significance.

Children in the intervention group were also significantly more likely to eat one or more servings of vegetables per day (89% vs. 83%), and were less likely to be given food as a reward (62% vs. 72%). The percentage of children eating in front of the television was also significantly lower in the intervention group (56% vs. 68%).

Mothers in the intervention group were also significantly more likely to eat more than two servings of vegetables per day (52% compared with 36%) and spend 150 minutes or more exercising per week (48% compared with 38%).

The study concluded that the first few years of a child's development are crucial in setting the foundation for lifelong learning, behaviours and health outcomes. Early and regular home visits to first-time mothers that encourage breastfeeding and 'tummy time' during their child's first year of life improve the likelihood of their children growing up to be a healthy weight.

Partners and funding
The trial is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council.

More information
Visit the Healthy Beginnings website

 

 

 

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Page last updated: 19 January, 2015