# Cultural adaptation and feasibility testing of a technology-based pediatric weigh management intervention for rural Latino communities

> **NIH NIH P20** · UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA LINCOLN · 2021 · $159,243

## Abstract

Addressing childhood obesity risk factors like home environment, parental roles, excess weight, physical 
activity, and healthy eating among Latinos/Hispanic (L/H) families living in rural communities is an 
important priority. Among Latinos/Hispanics--the fastest growing population in United States—childhood 
obesity is rising. An effective strategy for controlling childhood obesity growth is family-based programs 
targeting the parents of overweight and obese children. However, evidence supporting these interventions 
among L/H families living in rural communities is missing. Here we will use cultural adaptation and 
implementation science frameworks to evaluate the feasibility of delivering a culturally appropriate familybased 
childhood obesity (FBCO) program via an automated telephone system (IVR) to L/H families living in 
rural Nebraska. We will conduct a mixed-methods feasibility trial for L/H families with overweight or obese 
children. In Aim 1, we will first collaboratively adapt all intervention materials to better fit the rural L/H 
community profile, including translation of materials to Spanish, inclusion of culturally relevant content and 
images, and use of health communication strategies to address different levels of health literacy. Then, we 
will evaluate the cultural relevance, suitability, and usability of the adapted intervention materials and mode 
of delivery. In Aim 2, we will randomly assign participant dyads (parent and child) to either Family 
Connections (n=29) or an enhanced standard-care group (n=29) and determine overall study reach, 
preliminary effectiveness in reducing child BMI z- scores, potential for program adoption, implementation, 
and sustainability through local health departments (RE-AIM outcomes). We will also evaluate health 
department perceptions of i-PARIHS constructs (innovation, context, recipient characteristics), and Family 
Connections participants’ view of the intervention (i.e., relative advantage, observability, trialability, 
complexity, compatibility). In conclusion, the study will answer three important questions: (1) Is a telephone 
delivered FBCO program in rural Nebraska culturally relevant, usable and acceptable by L/H families? 
(2) Is a telephone delivered FBCO program effective at reducing BMI z-scores in L/H children living in rural 
Nebraska? and (3) What real-world institutional and contextual factors influence the impact of the 
intervention and might affect its potential ability to sustainably engage a meaningful population of L/H 
families who stand to benefit? This project will generate locally and globally relevant evidence on a 
culturally appropriate technology-delivered FBCO intervention for L/H families in rural communities.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10348179
- **Project number:** 5P20GM104320-08
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA LINCOLN
- **Principal Investigator:** Fabiana Brito Silva
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $159,243
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2014-08-05 → 2024-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10348179

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10348179, Cultural adaptation and feasibility testing of a technology-based pediatric weigh management intervention for rural Latino communities (5P20GM104320-08). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10348179. Licensed CC0.

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