BACKGROUND
Stunting and micronutrient deficiencies have persistently affected children in the Brazilian Amazon for decades. However, in recent years, a notable increase in childhood overweight prevalence has been observed, particularly in the context of heightened food insecurity exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the limited number of effective solutions proposed to tackle this problem, digital interventions have shown great promise worldwide in preventing obesity and promoting healthy diets.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to describe the protocol of a family-based WhatsApp intervention, specifically designed to investigate the efficacy of multimedia messaging in preventing excessive weight gain and improving healthy eating practices among school-age children in the Amazon region.
METHODS
This study protocol outlines a theory-driven randomized controlled trial based on the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning and the Social Cognitive Theory. A total of 240 parents or caregivers of children enrolled in the Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition in Acre (MINA-Brazil) birth cohort study will be recruited by phone and social medias. Intervention group will receive persuasive multimedia messages via WhatsApp over a 19-week period, while the wait-list control group will keep in the usual care. Primary outcome is change in children’s body mass index in z-score (BMIz). Secondary outcomes are changes in dietary intake and biochemical indicators of the children. All outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and five months after randomization, in comparison to usual care.
RESULTS
Data collection started in June 2023 and final measurements are scheduled to be completed in December 2023. The results of the main analysis are expected to be available in 2024.
CONCLUSIONS
This innovative multimedia message intervention holds significant potential for fostering behavioral changes among Amazonian children.
CLINICALTRIAL
Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (RBR-5zdnw6t)