Ann Behav Med

BackgroundCommunity-based behavioral interventions are needed to reduce the burden of childhood obesity.PurposeThis study evaluated the impact of a multi-level promotora-based (Community Health Advisor) intervention to promote healthy eating and physical activity (PA) and prevent excess weight gain among Latino children.MethodsThirteen elementary schools were randomized to one of four intervention conditions: individual and family level (Fam-only), school and community level (Comm-only), combined Fam+Comm intervention, or a measurement-only condition. Participants were 808 Latino parents and their children enrolled in kindergarten through 2nd grade. Measures included parent and child BMI and a self-administered parent survey that assessed several parent and child behaviors.ResultsThere were no intervention effects on children's BMI z-score. The Fam-only and Fam+Comm interventions changed several obesity-related child behaviors and these were mediated by changes in parenting variables.DiscussionA promotora-based behavioral intervention was efficacious at changing parental factors and child obesity-related health behaviors.20122014-08-13T00:00:00Z5R01HL073776/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States5U48DP000036/DP/NCCDPHP CDC HHS/United StatesF31DK079345/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United StatesR01 HL073776/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United StatesT32HL079891/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States22215470PMC4131843711