Differential Participation: Comparison of Latino and Non-Latino Families in Fitline, a Family-Centered Weight Management Intervention

Fitline is a pediatric practice-based, family-centered weight management intervention in which families with children aged 8-12 with overweight/obesity receive a brief pediatrician-delivered intervention and 4 hours of telephonic nutrition and lifestyle coaching accompanied by a workbook. We analyzed study tracking records and satisfaction survey data from 243 families, of which 31% (<i>n</i> = 75) identified as Latino. Latino families completed fewer coaching sessions. Only 70% of Latino families completed all 8 coaching sessions, compared to 89% of non-Latino families (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Significantly fewer Latino families completed study tracking assessments of dietary recalls (<i>p</i> < 0.01) and actigraph measurements at 12 months (<i>p</i> < 0.01). More Latino families reported that the coaching sessions (<i>p</i> = 0.04) and workbook (<i>p</i> = 0.01) were very helpful, compared to non-Latino families. Given higher rates of overweight/obesity among Latino children, it is imperative to understand how best to ensure Latino families can participate in and experience the full effect of weight management interventions.