{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: The Impact of Parental Involvement in the Prevention and Management of Obesity in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
{Author}: Aleid AM;Sabi NM;Alharbi GS;Alharthi AA;Alshuqayfi SM;Alnefiae NS;Ismail GM;Allhybi AK;Alrasheeday AM;Alshammari B;Alabbasi Y;Al Mutair A;
{Journal}: Children (Basel)
{Volume}: 11
{Issue}: 6
{Year}: 2024 Jun 17
{Factor}: 2.835
{DOI}: 10.3390/children11060739
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Obesity in children is a critical public health issue in developed countries and developing countries. The establishment of health-related behaviors in childhood, significantly influenced by parental involvement, underscores the need for effective intervention measures.<BR><B>OBJECTIVE: </B>This original research is a systematic review and meta-analysis that aimed to investigate the impact of parental involvement on the prevention and management of childhood obesity, focusing on outcomes such as BMI z-score, exercise levels, screen time, dietary self-efficacy, and percentage body fat.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) identified through comprehensive searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, including RCTs involving children aged 2-18 years with parental or caregiver participation, reporting on the specified outcomes. Data analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3, employing a random effects model.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>A total of 5573 participants were included. The meta-analysis revealed a significant reduction in BMI z-score (MD = -0.06, 95% CI: -0.09 to -0.02, p = 0.005, I2 = 58%), a non-significant increase in exercise levels (SMD = 0.26, 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.52, p = 0.05, I2 = 52%), and a significant reduction in screen time (MD = -0.36 h per day, 95% CI: -0.61 to -0.11, p = 0.005, I2 = 0%). Dietary self-efficacy also improved significantly (MD = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.12 to 1.05, p = 0.01, I2 = 0%). However, changes in percentage body fat did not reach statistical significance (MD = -1.19%, 95% CI: -2.8% to 0.41%, p = 0.15, I2 = 0%).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Parental involvement in childhood obesity interventions significantly impacts BMI z-score, exercise levels, screen time, and dietary self-efficacy but not percentage body fat. These findings highlight the importance of engaging parents in obesity prevention and management strategies.