A three-arm randomized controlled trial using ecological momentary intervention, community health workers, and video feedback at family meals to improve child cardiovascular health: the Family Matters study design

Authors: Jerica M. Berge, Amanda C. Trofholz, Marah Aqeel, Kristin Norderud, Allan Tate, Angela R. Fertig, Katie Loth, Tai Mendenhall, and Dianne Neumark-Sztainer

The goal of this paper was to describe the Family Matters study design, data collection protocols, measures, intervention components, process evaluation, and analysis plan in Minnesota, U.S.A. The Family Matters intervention utilizes state-of-the-art intervention methods including EMI, video feedback, and home visiting by CHWs to examine whether increasing the quantity and quality of family meals improves child cardiovascular health. An individual randomized controlled trial is currently being tested through the following combinations of interventions across three study arms: (1) EMI, (2) EMI + Virtual Home Visiting with CHW + Video Feedback, and (3) EMI + Hybrid Home Visiting with CHW + Video Feedback. Primary outcomes include child weight, diet quality, and neck circumference. Depending on the results, the most promising package of interventions will be disseminated to other primary care settings.