Using digital tools to help African American families manage adolescent obesity
Official title: Digitalization of a Multicomponent Family-Based Behavioral Intervention (Digital Wellness Nurse - FIT Families) for African American Adolescents with Obesity
Funded at Machine and Human Interaction LLC. · NIH-10699483 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new digital tool called the Digital Wellness Nurse to help African American teens aged 10 to 17 manage obesity by providing easy access to healthy lifestyle tips and support right at home, especially for families in rural areas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Machine and Human Interaction LLC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Clemson, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 14, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $299,573 |
| NIH project number | 1R41MD018558-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10699483 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are African American adolescents aged 10 to 17 who are struggling with obesity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as African American or those outside the age range of 10 to 17 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a digital platform called the Digital Wellness Nurse (DWN) to support African American adolescents aged 10 to 17 in managing obesity. The intervention aims to provide at-home behavioral support through mobile technology, making it easier for families to access resources and adhere to healthy lifestyle recommendations. By involving community healthcare workers, the program seeks to enhance engagement and motivation among participants, particularly those in rural areas with limited access to traditional healthcare services.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide African American families with effective tools and support to reduce obesity rates among adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using digital interventions for obesity management, indicating potential for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Machine and Human Interaction LLC.
Clemson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcclendon, Jerome L — Machine and Human Interaction LLC.
- Study coordinator: Mcclendon, Jerome L
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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.