Adaptation of an Obesity Intervention Program for Pediatric Cancer Survivors (NOURISH-T)

Abstract

Pediatric cancer survivor (PCS) rates have increased dramatically over the past several decades. Despite increased survival, research now indicates that overweight/obesity rates among PCS are greater than that in the general pediatric population. This article outlines a five-phase pilot study for the purpose of adapting a comprehensive parent psycho-educational intervention (NOURISH) to address the specific issues that contribute to overweight/obesity in PCS. The pilot consisted of medical record review of body mass indices (BMIs) among PCS to determine prevalence of overweight/obesity, health care provider (HCP) focus groups, parent focus groups, parent interviews, and pilot of the proposed six-session intervention (NOURISH-T). Study findings indicated the following: (1) High rates of overweight/obesity in PCS; (2) A great need for intervention expressed by HCPs and parents; (3) Interest in such a program by parents; and (4) Implementation of a small-scale intervention in a clinic is likely feasible.

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