Efficacy of Healthy Juntos: a family-based digital lifestyle program for Hispanic teens and their parents
Official title: Efficacy Trial of Healthy Juntos: A Family-based Digital Lifestyle Intervention for Hispanic Adolescents and their Parents
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11345180 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A family-focused digital program helps Hispanic adolescents and their parents build healthier habits to prevent obesity and related health risks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | June 12, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,779,176 |
| NIH project number | 4R01CA289519-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11345180 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Hispanic adolescents around ages 12–15 and their parent(s) who own a smartphone and are willing to engage in a family-based digital program.
✕Less likely to help
Adolescents or parents not engaged with digital tools or not interested in lifestyle changes may see minimal benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a six-month digital lifestyle program called Healthy Juntos that engages both teens and their parents to improve diet and activity using online tools and family-based support. The approach builds on behavioral and family-systems theories to promote sustainable healthy weight management during adolescence. Participants will receive a structured, smartphone-friendly experience with activity tracking, goal setting, and parental involvement to reinforce healthy choices at home. The study aims to reach Hispanic families by leveraging high smartphone use and culturally grounded content to support long-term lifestyle changes. Outcomes will focus on weight-related measures, activity, and dietary patterns over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, families could maintain healthier weight and lifestyle habits that reduce cancer risk factors and improve overall well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Prior family-based digital interventions for obesity have shown promise, with some success in engaging Hispanic families, though broader reach and sustained impact remain ongoing.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: St. George, Sara Mijares — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: St. George, Sara Mijares
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.