Delivering ADAPT+ to Latino Families Living in Rural Communities: Feasibility and Acceptability of Implementing a Health Promotion Program Including Mindfulness

• Published in: Journal of pediatric psychology 2023-08, Vol.48 (8), p.666-675
• Main Authors: Stern, Marilyn, Rancourt, Diana, Soca Lozano, Sandra, Buro, Acadia W, Gray, Heewon L, Rodriguez, Carmen, Bailey, Rocio, Redwine, Laura
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Pediatric Psychology and Clinical Trials; COVID-19; Feasibility Studies; Health Promotion; Humans; Mindfulness - methods; Obesity - therapy; Rural Population
• ISSN: 0146-8693; 1465-735X; 1465-735X
• DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsad049

Abstract Background Obesity is a major public health crisis in Latino youth. Mounting evidence implicates stress in the development and maintenance of obesity. This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of having community health workers, i.e., promotoras, deliver Adaptando Dieta y Acción Para Todos (ADAPT)+, a family-based health promotion program integrating mindfulness strategies for stress reduction to underserved Latino families in rural communities. Methods In an ORBIT model Phase IIb longitudinal quasi-cluster feasibility study, promotoras delivered the 6-session ADAPT+ intervention and 1-session Enhanced Usual Care (EUC) in rural Florida. Feasibility was assessed via sample size and recruitment, randomization by community, data collection completion, and intervention fidelity. Acceptability was assessed via participant retention and program satisfaction. Effect sizes of differences in parent stress and mindful eating between conditions at baseline, end of treatment, and 3-month follow-up were calculated. Results Feasibility and acceptability were demonstrated. The recruitment target was 99% met (n = 95 recruited). Randomization was limited to site level due to coronavirus disease 2019-related challenges. Data collection procedures were feasible (100% completion). Retention was 86% at post-assessment and 82.6% at 3-month follow-up. All sessions were completed (100% fidelity). Mean program satisfaction was 3.91/4.00. ADAPT+ parents reported lower stress (difference = −3.04, medium-to-large effect, d = .70) and more mindful eating (difference = 2.00, medium effect, d = .44) than EUC parents at 3-month follow-up. Conclusion Study implementation and intervention delivery to rural Latino families using promotoras were feasible and acceptable. Promising findings regarding parent stress and mindful eating support a larger (ORBIT Phase III) efficacy trial. Clinical Trial Registration This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT04800432.