Dissemination of an Adolescent Obesity Prevention Intervention to Louisiana Schools

The Louisiana-based, 12-week, multi-level, multi-component, ecological intervention is called Preventing Obesity Using Digital-assisted Movement and Eating (ProudMe). Guided by robust theories and prior work, this project involves multiple trained student researchers to address two specific aims.

Aim 1: to test the effectiveness of the ProudMe intervention in Louisiana middle schools. Informed by power analysis (80% statistical power), the study recruits 480 adolescents from 12 middle schools (cluster-randomized to 6 ProudMe schools vs 6 wait-list control schools). Quantitative data on obesity-prevention behaviors (i.e., physical activity, screen-based sedentary behavior, diet behaviors) and weight status (i.e., body mass index z score, waist circumference) are collected from all adolescent participants using validated instruments and procedures. The investigators hypothesize the multi-level modeling analyses to show improvements of obesity-prevention behaviors and weight status in the ProudMe group compared to a waist-list control, after controlling for sociodemographic factors at multiple ecological levels.

Aim 2: to test the implementation outcomes of the ProudMe intervention in Louisiana middle schools. The investigators collect mixed-methods data from 24 school implementers (i.e., teachers, administrators, and staff), 96 adolescents, and 96 parents at the 6 ProudMe schools, to capture adaptation and implementation indicators. The investigators evaluate the adaptations made across three phases (early, mid, late) of the implementation (i.e., what, at what level, when, how, why, by whom, and impact to intervention). In addition, the investigators assess reach, fidelity, penetration, sustainability, and cost of the implementation across early, mid, and late phases of the implementation. The investigators expect the ProudMe schools to show appropriate levels of adaptation, fidelity, reach, penetration, and sustainability, with manageable time and financial cost.

Building on previously funded work (e.g., R21HD090513, PI: Dr. Chen), this project is led by a strong, collaborative, transdisciplinary team with experts from kinesiology, developmental psychology, nutrition, childhood obesity, computer science, statistics, and implementation science. The project significantly strengthens the research environment of the Louisiana State University (LSU) - a primarily undergraduate student serving institution under-funded by the NIH. The project creates unique opportunities that are otherwise unavailable for LSU students who aspire to seek advanced education or careers in biomedical and health fields.