An Example of How to Supplement Goal Setting to Promote Behavior Change for Families Using Motivational Interviewing

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the components and use of motivational interviewing (MI) within a behavior change intervention to promote healthful eating and family meals and prevent childhood obesity. The Healthy Home Offerings via the Mealtime Environment (HOME) Plus intervention was part of a two-arm randomized-controlled trial and included 81 families (children 8-12 years old and their parents) in the intervention condition. The intervention included 10 monthly, 2-hour group sessions and 5 bimonthly motivational/goal-setting phone calls. Data were collected for intervention families only at each of the goal-setting calls and a behavior change assessment was administered at the 10th/final group session. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the MI call data and behavior assessment. Overall group attendance was high (68% attending ≥7 sessions). Motivational/goal-setting phone calls were well accepted by parents, with an 87% average completion rate. More than 85% of the time, families reported meeting their chosen goal between calls. Families completing the behavioral assessment reported the most change in having family meals more often and improving home food healthfulness. Researchers should use a combination of delivery methods using MI when implementing behavior change programs for families to promote goal setting and healthful eating within pediatric obesity interventions.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01538615.

Figures

Figure 1

Frequency of overarching behavioral objectives selected by parents across five motivational/goal-setting phone calls as part of the HOME Plus intervention (n=57)

Figure 2

Frequency of HOME Plus behavioral goals where families (n=57) reported they “definitely made changes” by behavioral objective. Behavioral Goals: Electronics at meals = We have decreased the use of electronics at meals. Home F/V availability = We have increased the amount of fruits and vegetables at home or that are served at meal time. Positive conversations = We promote positive conversations at meal time. Healthier snacks = Our snacks have gotten healthier and include more fruits and vegetables. Sweetened beverage intake = We have decreased the amount of sweetened beverages we drink. Portion sizes = We have cut down on portion sizes and/or the amount of food we eat. Healthier meals = Our meals have gotten healthier. Family meal frequency = We have increased the number of family meals in our home. Stress at meal prep = We have less stress around meal preparation. Kids in the kitchen = The kids in our family are helping out in the kitchen

Figure 3

Frequency of HOME Plus behavioral goals where families (n=57) reported they “need to keep working on” by behavioral objective. Behavioral goals: Kids in the kitchen = The kids in our family are helping out in the kitchen. Stress at meal prep = We have less stress around meal preparation. Portion sizes = We have cut down on portion sizes and/or the amount of food we eat. Electronics at meals = We have decreased the use of electronics at meals. Sweetened beverage intake = We have decreased the amount of sweetened beverages we drink. Positive conversations = We promote positive conversations at meal time. Healthier meals = Our meals have gotten healthier. Family meal frequency = We have increased the number of family meals in our home. Home F/V availability = We have increased the amount of fruits and vegetables at home or that are served at meal time. Healthier snacks = Our snacks have gotten healthier and include more fruits and vegetables.