An in-home intervention to improve nutrition, physical activity, and knowledge among low-income teen mothers and their children: Results from a pilot study

摘要

Objective: Teenage pregnancy is a major public health concern in the United States. In addition to other life stressors, adolescent mothers and their children are at risk for obesity and other negative health outcomes. The current study examines the impact of a brief in-home educational intervention designed to improve health knowledge and behavior in a sample of low-income adolescent mothers. Method: Forty-six teen mothers received 6 in-home educational sessions focused on nutrition and physical activity, with baseline and follow-up knowledge and behavior assessments. Results: Results indicate significant improvements in mothers' health knowledge and physical activity pertaining to themselves and to their children, and also an unexpected increase in sedentary behaviors. Conclusion: Results from this study indicate that knowledge-focused interventions may be an effective method to facilitate positive health behavioral change for teenage mothers.