Experiences of families participating in a 10-week family-focused e-Health healthy lifestyle programme for school-aged children with overweight or obesity: a qualitative study

Objective To explore families’ experiences participating in a 10-week web-based lifestyle programme for school-aged children with overweight or obesity. Design A qualitative study using inductive analysis of semi-structured interview data. Setting Victoria, Australia. Participants Families (children aged 7–13 years with overweight or obesity—body mass index ≥85th percentile—and accompanying parent) recruited for a randomised controlled trial that evaluated the effectiveness of the web-based programme and who received the programme (n=102 children/85 families) were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview at 3 months post-programme. Intervention Families received a 10-week family-focused electronic health (e-Health; web-based) lifestyle programme with health coaching sessions—an evidence-based programme adapted from its in-person, group-based counterpart. Results A total of 28 families, including 34 children (eight siblings) and mostly mothers, shared their experiences. 10 themes were identified on family members’ experiences and aligned with the socioecological model: intrapersonal—knowledge development on healthy living; experiences and stigma related to overweight, obesity or weight; engaging with structural features of the web-based programme, interpersonal—family dynamic; connections with others (non-healthcare professionals) outside of home; relationship with healthcare professionals, environmental/institutional—impact of COVID-19 lockdowns; health-promoting environments; promotion of and access to overweight or obesity management programmes; web-based programme as part of a larger or established system. Each theme highlighted factors that influenced programme uptake and engagement. Conclusions Valuable insights were gained on ways to better adapt e-Health (web-based) lifestyle programmes for children with overweight or obesity. Families perceived advantages in a web-based lifestyle programme and highly regarded humanised features and elements comparable to conventional in-person programmes. Further research is needed to explore the perspectives of families from diverse populations, fathers and families who decline participation in the follow-up period. Web-based lifestyle programmes that incorporate contemporary e-Health technologies, including responsive AI, also warrant further investigation to maximise programme benefits. Trial registration number ACTRN12621001762842.