Parenting Intervention to Improve Nutrition and Physical Activity for Preschoolers with Type 1 Diabetes: A Feasibility Study

J Pediatr Health Care. 2018 Nov-Dec;32(6):548-556. doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2018.04.019. Epub 2018 Jun 25.

Abstract

Objective: This study reports the feasibility and acceptability of a healthy eating and physical-activity-focused behavioral intervention for parents of young children with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods: Ten parents of young children (age 2-5 years) with T1D enrolled. The intervention included six behavioral sessions (five by telephone), diabetes nursing consultation, parent coach contact, text messages, and a study website. Analyses explored feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary findings.

Results: There was evidence of high acceptability (mean parent satisfaction = 1.11, very satisfied). Although most participants completed all of the assessments, there were some barriers to data collection devices. The number of participants within the American Diabetes Association recommended glycemic range doubled; there was no significant change in hemoglobin A1c, diet, or physical activity.

Conclusion: There was evidence of feasibility and acceptability and initial evidence of change in hypothesized directions. Minor changes were made for the larger randomized controlled trial.

Keywords: Diabetes; behavior; eating; pediatrics; physical activity.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Accelerometry
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism*
  • Child Behavior
  • Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / physiology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Clinical Protocols
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / blood
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / physiopathology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / therapy*
  • Diet, Healthy*
  • Exercise*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / metabolism*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Promotion / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Parents / education*
  • Patient Compliance / statistics & numerical data
  • Patient Education as Topic

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Glycated Hemoglobin A
  • hemoglobin A1c protein, human