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Introduction <p>Digital formats have the potential to enhance access and engagement of obesity treatment programs, yet little is known about how parents experience them. This qualitative study aimed to explore how parents of children aged 2–6&#xa0;years perceived and experienced the digital delivery of a well-established and evidence-based parent support program (More and Less, ML) as treatment. The study was part of a larger randomized controlled trial (RCT) within the EU-funded STOP project, which compared the digital intervention with standard care. The treatment included a 10-week online version of the ML parent support program, followed by six months of continued support via a smartphone app. The ML program constituted the active treatment, while the follow-up app was introduced afterwards as a supportive tool to help families maintain changes.</p> Methods <p>Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 parents from 13 families (12 mothers and 2 fathers, mean age 38&#xa0;years, range 30–47) in Sweden. Nine held a university degree. Their children (9 girls and 4 boys) were aged 2–6&#xa0;years; 9 had obesity and 4 had overweight. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis guided by the COM-B model, which focuses on the capability, opportunity, and motivation required for behavior change.</p> Results <p>Two main themes were identified: <i>Supporting each other</i> (with subthemes <i>Group support</i> and <i>Group learning</i>) and <i>Support through digital programs</i> (with subthemes <i>Digital vs in-person engagement</i> and <i>Staying on track</i>). Parents highlighted the value of connecting with peers during group sessions, which fostered a sense of community and emotional safety. Although many preferred in-person meetings, the digital format was appreciated for its convenience. Motivation to use the app as follow-up varied; some found it helpful, while others expressed a desire for a more interactive and personalized format.</p> Conclusion <p>Parents managing childhood obesity benefit from supportive, nonjudgmental environments. Peer support—even when delivered digitally—enhances their confidence and engagement. Digital tools may also serve as a valuable complement to group-based treatment by extending support beyond the sessions. These findings suggest that future interventions should combine flexible digital components with peer support to enhance engagement and sustainability.</p>

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Balancing digital and in-person support: parents’ perspectives on delivering childhood obesity treatment

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月20日

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  • Paulina Nowicka,
  • Emelie Hemming Bäcklin,
  • Karin Nordin,
  • Markus Brissman,
  • Marie Löf,
  • Karin Eli,
  • Anna Ek

摘要

Introduction

Digital formats have the potential to enhance access and engagement of obesity treatment programs, yet little is known about how parents experience them. This qualitative study aimed to explore how parents of children aged 2–6 years perceived and experienced the digital delivery of a well-established and evidence-based parent support program (More and Less, ML) as treatment. The study was part of a larger randomized controlled trial (RCT) within the EU-funded STOP project, which compared the digital intervention with standard care. The treatment included a 10-week online version of the ML parent support program, followed by six months of continued support via a smartphone app. The ML program constituted the active treatment, while the follow-up app was introduced afterwards as a supportive tool to help families maintain changes.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 parents from 13 families (12 mothers and 2 fathers, mean age 38 years, range 30–47) in Sweden. Nine held a university degree. Their children (9 girls and 4 boys) were aged 2–6 years; 9 had obesity and 4 had overweight. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis guided by the COM-B model, which focuses on the capability, opportunity, and motivation required for behavior change.

Results

Two main themes were identified: Supporting each other (with subthemes Group support and Group learning) and Support through digital programs (with subthemes Digital vs in-person engagement and Staying on track). Parents highlighted the value of connecting with peers during group sessions, which fostered a sense of community and emotional safety. Although many preferred in-person meetings, the digital format was appreciated for its convenience. Motivation to use the app as follow-up varied; some found it helpful, while others expressed a desire for a more interactive and personalized format.

Conclusion

Parents managing childhood obesity benefit from supportive, nonjudgmental environments. Peer support—even when delivered digitally—enhances their confidence and engagement. Digital tools may also serve as a valuable complement to group-based treatment by extending support beyond the sessions. These findings suggest that future interventions should combine flexible digital components with peer support to enhance engagement and sustainability.