Involving Families in Cardiovascular Health Promotion: The CATCH Feasibility Study

This article presents results of a process evaluation study of the third and fourth grade home-based family programs of the Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health (CATCH). A 50 percent stratified random sample of third and fourth grade parents at each site (California, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Texas) were interviewed by telephone prior to, and again after, completion of the home-based interventions. Of the 424 parents providing two interviews, 75 percent reported participating in the home activities. Demographic correlates of participation included age, education, occupation, and ethnicity. Neither self-report food intake, exercise patterns, confidence for behavior change, nor parental support and role modeling were significant correlates of participation. There were significant site differences in food consumption and exercise patterns. For the majority of the eating and exercise behaviors examined, changes toward more healthful habits over time were reported. Results of Ms study suggest that it is possible to achieve good participation in different regional, ethnic, and socioeconomic settings. Further, the program may have been successful in initiating changes in the eating and exercise patterns of children and their families. The survey findings also provide information to be used in designing future family intervention programs.