Try different text messaging approaches to enroll in a family weight management program

Recruiting

What is this trial?

Researchers want to find the best way to reach families and help them join Building Healthy Families, a free program that teaches children and parents about healthy eating, exercise, and good habits. This study will test different approaches using text messages—some sent once, others sent repeatedly over three months—and some families will also receive phone calls from a local community team to encourage them to join.

Childhood obesity affects many low-income families in rural areas, and it can lead to serious health problems. The researchers want to figure out the easiest way to let families know about this free program and get them to actually sign up and stay involved.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are a parent or legal guardian of a child aged 5 to 12 years
your child has been seen at a participating clinic or hospital in the past 12 months
your child's weight is at or above the 85th percentile for their age and sex (identified from their medical records)
you have a valid phone number and mailing address on file at your child's clinic
you have not already asked the clinic to stop sending you text messages

You likely don't qualify if…

your child has a medical condition that prevents them from doing moderate physical activity
your child has severe cognitive or physical problems that would make it hard to participate
your family is already in another weight management or obesity treatment program
you have opted out of receiving text communications from your child's clinic

What participation looks like

You'll be randomly assigned to receive either a single text message or multiple text messages over three months—some families will also get a phone call from a local community team. The text messages will have an easy button to click and a link to sign up for Building Healthy Families, a free program your family can join at a community organization. If you enroll, you and your child will attend sessions where you'll learn about healthy eating and physical activity together.

Text Messages to Help Families Join a Childhood Weight Management Program

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)