Digital Theory-Based Expert System Intervention Supported by Behavioral Counseling: A Children’s Obesity Prevention Research Project
Claudio R. Nigg, PhD
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology & University of Hawaii
Claudio R. Nigg, PhD
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology & University of Hawaii
This intervention was unique in comparison to other lifestyle obesity interventions for children by implementing an individually tailored expert system for fruit and vegetable and physical activity for children according to stage of change and self-efficacy; by addressing the child, parent and physician; by using a DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating approach localized with Pacific foods for children; and by addressing obesity prevention as well as treatment (healthy, overweight and obese children), and by including understudied Asian-Pacific populations. This intervention trial prevented a decrease of FV intake and slowed the increase of diastolic BP among 5-8 year old multiethnic children of predominantly Asian and Pacific Islander ancestry versus a control group.