Mentoring program to promote physical activity in rural Appalachian children
Mentoring to be Active: Peer Mentoring to Mitigate Obesity and Extreme Obesity in Rural Appalachian Children
This study tests a mentoring program that pairs older students with overweight or obese 7th graders in rural Appalachia to see if it helps them be more active and improve their health.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 432 (estimated) |
| Ages | 11 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ohio State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, Ohio) |
| Trial ID | NCT05758441 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This intervention focuses on improving physical activity levels among 7th grade children in rural Appalachia who are overweight or obese. It employs a peer-to-peer mentoring approach, where older students mentor younger ones, combined with family support to reinforce healthy behaviors. The program aims to enhance social support and motivation while providing culturally relevant strategies to sustain physical activity without the need for exercise equipment. Over two years, the study will assess the impact of this mentoring program on physical activity and health outcomes, including body composition metrics.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are 7th grade children in rural Appalachia with a body mass index at the 85th percentile or higher.
Not a fit: Patients who are under medical care for obesity or type 1 diabetes may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce obesity rates and improve overall health among children in rural Appalachian communities.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with peer mentoring approaches in promoting physical activity, suggesting this method could be effective in this context.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Children: * enrolled in 7th grade at the start of the study, * have a body mass index percentile of 85th or greater for age and gender, * not under medical care for OB or type 1 diabetes, * have reliable internet connection at home, * have access to a computer, laptop or tablet at home, * not expected to move from the participating county before the conclusion of the study. Parents: * read at a 5th grade-level, * speak English, * have a home-mailing address (not PO box), * have a working telephone number, and * are not expected to move from the participating county before study conclusion. High school peer mentors: * are in either 10th or 11th grade at the start of the recruitment, * reside in a targeted county, * interested in working with peers, supporting others, and striving to cultivate their own health-supportive behaviors, * have reliable internet connection at home, * have access to a computer, laptop or tablet at home, * are not expected to move before the intervention ends, * can speak English, * are recommended by a teacher, school advisor, or counselor. Exclusion Criteria: Child: * not in 7th grade at the start of the study. * not able to read or Speak English; * not classified as either overweight or obese at start of study. Parents : - not able to read or speak English. High school peer mentors: - cannot speak and read English.
Where this trial is running
Columbus, Ohio
- Ohio State University College of Nursing — Columbus, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Laureen Smith, PhD
- Email: smith.5764@osu.edu
- Phone: 614-292-4578
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.