Using the RE-AIM framework to evaluate a community-based summer camp for children with obesity: a prospective feasibility study

Shauna M Burke; Sheree Shapiro; Robert J Petrella; Jennifer D Irwin; Michelle Jackman; Erin S Pearson; Harry Prapavessis; Joel Kevin Shoemaker

doi:10.1186/s40608-015-0050-8

Using the RE-AIM framework to evaluate a community-based summer camp for children with obesity: a prospective feasibility study

BMC Obes. 2015 May 14:2:21. doi: 10.1186/s40608-015-0050-8. eCollection 2015.

Authors

Shauna M Burke¹, Sheree Shapiro², Robert J Petrella³, Jennifer D Irwin¹, Michelle Jackman⁴, Erin S Pearson⁵, Harry Prapavessis⁶, Joel Kevin Shoemaker⁶

Affiliations

¹ School of Health Studies, Western University, London, Canada.
² Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Program, Western University, London, Canada.
³ Department of Family Medicine, Western University, London, Canada ; School of Kinesiology, Western University, London, Canada.
⁴ Section of Hospital Pediatrics & Pediatric Centre for Weight & Health, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Canada.
⁵ School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Canada.
⁶ School of Kinesiology, Western University, London, Canada.

Abstract

Background: Increasing rates of childhood overweight and obesity highlight a need for the evaluation of lifestyle interventions. The purpose of the study was to determine the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance of a novel family-focused program targeting children with obesity (i.e., the Children's Health and Activity Modification Program [C.H.A.M.P.]) using the RE-AIM framework, an evaluation tool for community-based health interventions.

Methods: A single-centre, single cohort interventional feasibility study was conducted over the course of two years. Children with obesity and their families completed a 4-week group-based lifestyle intervention in Year 1 (n = 15; M age = 10.6; 53% female) and/or Year 2 (n = 25; M age = 10.6; 56% female). Outcome variables were measured pre- and post-intervention, as well as 6- and 12-months following completion of the formal program.

Results: Overall, C.H.A.M.P. had high reach in terms of participant representativeness. In addition, participation in the program was associated with significantly improved standardized body mass index (BMI-z), body fat percentage, lean mass percentage, and child- and parent-proxy reported quality of life (QOL; effectiveness/individual maintenance). Furthermore, a number of community partnerships were built, strengthened, and maintained prior to, during, and following implementation of the two-year program (adoption/setting maintenance, respectively). Finally, the intervention was delivered as intended as evidenced by high adherence to the schedule, attendance rates, and cost effectiveness (implementation).

Conclusions: Based on RE-AIM metrics, C.H.A.M.P. appears to be a promising childhood obesity program. The findings reported will inform researchers and practitioners on how to design and implement future community-based programs addressing pediatric obesity.

Trial registration: ISRCTN Registry, Study ID ISRCTN13143236. Registered 27 March 2015.

Keywords: Childhood obesity; Community intervention; Family health; Feasibility; Group dynamics; Program evaluation; Quality of life; RE-AIM.