Childhood obesity is a serious public health concern with significant psychosocial, health and economic consequences. This research programme will develop and train future leaders in Population Health and Health Services Research, specifically in Health Economics, Behaviour Change and Implementation Science through an interdisciplinary approach to this urgent problem.
We will quantify the burden of childhood obesity in terms of physical, psychosocial and economic consequences by secondary data analysis of longitudinal studies (including Growing Up in Ireland). In addition, the ICE Fellows will work together to develop, implement and evaluate a pilot complex intervention to promote optimal infant feeding practices in primary care. An evidence-base for the role of early dietary interventions will be established through a systematic review of behaviour change techniques in early infant feeding, and a realist review will aim to identify what works for whom and in what circumstances. To complement these reviews, a meta-synthesis of qualitative literature will be conducted on parents’ experiences of early infant feeding along with a qualitative study of parents attitudes to infant feeding.
Drawing on the COM-B model (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation & Behaviour) an intervention will be designed, implemented and evaluated as a pilot study. Qualitative interviews will take place with parents and healthcare professionals to explore the feasibility of an intervention in vaccination visits. A detailed process evaluation will take place to unpick the complexity of the intervention and examine mechanisms at play. An economic evaluation of the pilot intervention will also be carried out.
The current research addresses a number of key priorities through its emphasis on the importance of early intervention for the prevention of obesity and the establishment of healthy behaviour patterns early in life. In addition, it is concerned with developing, implementing and evaluating an evidence-based approach to supporting families with young children within primary care.