Description of Intervention

Participants in the intervention will include 100 obese youths and their primary caregivers seeking treatment through a behavioral weight management program. They have a 95% body mass index (BMI) to qualify. The program will not include young people with genetic or developmental disorders that cause obesity. Patients for the intervention will consist of individuals who are 8 to 13 years of age and who can complete questionnaires.

The theory will be based on the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). SCT proposes that a connection exists between personal, behavioral, and environmental factors. It uses reinforcement and control to attain a goal-directed behavior that is sustainable over time. The constructs of SCT will make the intervention successful. Reciprocal determinism, for instance, addresses the interaction of the participants and their environment, which is critical for their weight loss (LaMorte, 2018). The concept of behavioral capability applies as the participants have the necessary skills needed and will be guided throughout the journey to lose their weight. The theory also upholds observational learning, which the participants will experience. Again, with reinforcements, the participants will be successful.

The intervention meets health equity and developmental position of children. All the participants regardless of their social, economic, racial or religious background can enroll for the program as long as they can read questionnaires. They should also be within age 8-13 and do not have developmental disorders leading to obesity.

Correspondingly, various activities will be completed to intervene a success. Firstly, the intervention will train children on how to take a proactive role in consuming healthy meals at home. Again, the program will assist in losing and maintaining a healthy weight without giving up the joys of childhood. In effect, different experts will be consulted in the intervention plan. They include a nutritionist, physician, fitness trainers, and psychologist. During the sessions, the training will happen in a rented room, which has ample outdoor space. In that way, the participants can hold lessons within the room and conduct any physical activities outside.

Equally, various equipment will be useful for training. A curriculum and lesson plan will be used to guide the intervention program. The participants will also receive pamphlets containing the activities to be completed throughout the period and notebooks and pens. Other types of equipment include a computer, projector, internet, whiteboard, flipcharts, which will be available at the premises. Some items will be leased to enable the trainers to work effectively like a human body model and training equipment. Appropriate food items like fruits and vegetables will be bought for demonstration purposes.

Different techniques will be used to reach the participants. As mentioned, the 100 individuals should read questionnaires, be of ages 8-13, have a BMI higher than 95%, and not have developmental disorders that cause obesity. The participants will be reached through social media, as they will attain information about the training and send applications on the email address which will be posted on the website page. Equally, posters will be placed in schools, social places like worship centers, and on park notice boards. An advertisement will be made on television and radio to alert potential participants, who will then visit the website for more information. There will be regular communication through telephone and email to retain the participants. Additionally, the participants will receive incentives like meals during the session, and transportation to and from the premises. Participants who want to leave the study will fill in a withdrawal template. Moreover, they may give reasons as to why they want to exit the intervention. Finally, they will be advised about how to cope with obesity. Once the intervention begins, those who drop out will not be replaced. Instead, their absence will be recorded.

The intervention will comprise seven sessions to the participants. During the gatherings, they will have lessons within and without the room. The experts and the program coordinator will work together to draft the schedule of activities. There will also be meal breaks and socialization time. The program will partner with organizations like Eat Well Play Hard in Child Care Centres and Just for Kids. To strengthen the proposal, letters like MOU, sponsorship letters, and a detailed plan of the intervention.

Timing of Activities

Various activities will be completed before the intervention. The program coordinator will identify and work with the experts to design the curriculum and lesson plans. Equally, the individual will be responsible for scouting for premises. The finance manager will secure the funding from partners and monitor the expenditure. An errand staff will purchase items that will be needed during the program. The premises should be guaranteed a month before the intervention. Comparatively, the curriculum and lesson plan should be done within a week. The advertisements and scouting for participants will have a two-month period. There will be a welfare staff who will cater to the meals of the participants and welcome them.

The intervention will last for three weeks. The participants will spend 4 hours per session. One and a half hours will be dedicated to learning and interacting with a nutritionist and physician. After the lessons, the participants will have a meal break, followed by physical training with the fitness trainer. The participants will then spend 30 minutes interacting with each other before leaving. The first lesson will be dedicated to socialization. Conversely, the final lesson will entail an evaluation of progress that participants make.

Staffing Plans

Program Coordinator. The individual is in charge of the intervention program. The responsibilities include managing the program, finding experts, working with experts to draft curriculum and lesson plan, and securing premises. Some qualifications and skills include the ability to work with people, time-conscious, be reliable, have excellent communication skills, possess excellent negotiation skills, ability to delegate responsibility, and have excellent leadership skills. The coordinator should also have expertise in childhood obesity and have experience in intervention programs spanning at least five years.

Finance Manager. The finance manager is in charge of the economic docket. Thus, he or she is responsible for drawing the financial plan, keeping the books of account, and disbursing money for various activities. The individual should have good accounting skills, excellent analytical abilities, be well organized, and a good communicator and negotiator. The person should also have a 2-year experience in accounting.

Nutritionist. Train on nutrition and the nutritionist should be certified. Have experience working with obese youths for seven years minimum. The nutritionist should be a good communicator.

Physician. The physician should offer clinical advice on the participants. He or she should be a certified physician with at least ten years’ experience. The physician should be empathetic.

Fitness Expert. The expert will coach the participants on fitness activities. He or she should have five years’ experience training obese children. The person should also be patient with the children and be passionate about healthy living.

References

La Morte, W. (2018). The social cognitive theory. Boston University School of Public Health. Retrieved from http://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/MPH-Modules/SB/BehavioralChangeTheories/BehavioralChangeTheories5.html