Mobile Apps for Preschool Parents Study Evaluating Nutrition and Reading Apps for Childhood Obesity and Development

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating two mobile applications designed for parents of preschool-aged children to help reduce childhood obesity risk and promote reading to children. The study focuses on early intervention by guiding parents through goal-setting related to child nutrition, wellness, physical activity, sleep, and parenting styles. This research addresses the need for effective, parent-targeted mobile tools, especially for families from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who are at higher risk for childhood obesity and related health disparities. Participants will use one of two apps during an 8-week intervention period: the Children Eating Well (CHEW) app, which supports nutrition and wellness goals for parents and their preschool children, or the Beanstack app, which encourages parents to read more frequently to their children. If parents cannot download Beanstack, they may use a similar app called Bookroo. After the initial 8 weeks, parents can choose to download and use the other app. Usage of the CHEW app will be monitored for up to 20 weeks after enrollment. Parents or guardians will complete baseline and follow-up surveys to measure outcomes, including the Healthy Kids childhood obesity risk score. Researchers will track app usage data and collect information about nutrition, physical activity, sleep behaviors, and reading habits. Participants must have access to a mobile device and internet to use the apps. The study aims to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of mobile app interventions for improving child health and development over the study period.

Mobile Apps for Preschool Parents (MAPP) Study