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The purpose of this dissertation is to provide a detailed overview of, findings from, and experiences participating in a 3-month randomized controlled trial (RCT) targeting obesity-related behaviours in parents with overweight/obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25 kg/m2) and their children (2.5-10 years old, any weight; N = 50 dyads). A concurrent mixed methods study comprised of an RCT and descriptive qualitative design was utilized. Parent-participants received Co-Active Life Coaching (CALC) and webinar-based health education (intervention) or education only (control). To address the dissertation’s purpose, Chapter II provides a detailed methodological account of the program, including rationale and a description of utilized measures. Chapter III depicts a study exploring the impact of the program on the primary outcomes of physical activity (PA) and dietary intake of parents and children, parental motivation to engage in healthy behaviours, and parental perceptions of program improvements. To determine anthropometric impacts, parental BMI and waist circumference were included. Quantitative results were not statistically significant; however, decrease in sodium intake in intervention group parents showed a trend toward significance (p = 0.04) from baseline to 6-month follow-up. Qualitatively, parents in both groups reported increased awareness of health behaviours, diet and PA improvements, and positive program experiences. Some parents felt the webinars were reminders about healthy habits, whereas others felt the information was new and important. Finally, to understand both client and coach perspectives, and what might be needed to maximize this behaviour change approach, Chapter IV presents a qualitative exploration of the experiences of parents and coaches in the intervention group. Parents reported increased accountability for their behaviours, learning how to effectively set goals, working through root causes of their behaviours, and changing their perspectives. Coaches provided information on tools/techniques they most commonly used, insights into working with this population, and advice for future coaches. The findings from this study will allow researchers, coaches, and participants to better understand the foundations for a strong coaching partnership in the context of obesity-related health behaviour changes. Together, these chapters represent the first (to the researchers’ knowledge) CALC and/or health education intervention for parents with overweight/obesity and their children. |
