Research Article  |   November 2014
Effect of an Occupation-Focused Family Intervention on Change in Parents’ Time Use and Children’s Body Mass Index
Kristina Orban; Lena-Karin Erlandsson; Anna-Karin Edberg; Jenny Önnerfält; Kristina Thorngren-Jerneck
Author Affiliations
  • Kristina Orban, PhD, Reg OT, is Assistant Professor, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, PO Box 157, S-221 00 Lund, Sweden; kristina.orban@med.lu.se
  • Lena-Karin Erlandsson, PhD, Reg OT, is Associate Professor, Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
  • Anna-Karin Edberg, PhD, RN, is Professor, School of Health and Society, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
  • Jenny Önnerfält, MD, is Doctoral Student, Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, and Vårdalinstitutet, Swedish Institute for Health Sciences, Lund, Sweden
  • Kristina Thorngren-Jerneck, MD, PhD, is Chief Physician, Department of Pediatrics, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
Article Information
Health and Wellness / Obesity / Pediatric Evaluation and Intervention / Children and Youth
Research Article   |   November 2014
Effect of an Occupation-Focused Family Intervention on Change in Parents’ Time Use and Children’s Body Mass Index
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, November/December 2014, Vol. 68, e217-e226. doi:10.5014/ajot.2014.010405
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, November/December 2014, Vol. 68, e217-e226. doi:10.5014/ajot.2014.010405
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. This study explored factors related to changes in the time parents spent with their children with obesity and associated decreases in children’s body mass index (BMI) z-scores after an occupation-focused intervention.

METHOD. Parents participated in a 1-yr occupation-focused intervention to promote healthy family lifestyles. Data on 40 parents of 22 children with obesity ages 4–6 yr were collected before and after intervention and analyzed using linear and multiple regression methods.

RESULTS. Parents increased time spent with their children by an average of 91 min/day. Parents’ finances, perceived satisfaction in daily occupations, low BMI, and mastery at inclusion were associated with increased time spent with their children. Mothers’ subjective health and high mastery and fathers’ perceived occupational value and education explained 67% of the variance in children’s BMI z-scores.

CONCLUSION. The results indicate important factors to consider in developing interventions that facilitate occupational engagement and health among children with obesity and their families.