The feasibility of the ‘Play and Skills at Teatime Activities’ programme to generate positive outcomes in 5–8-year-old children and their families in Lancashire

Townson, Christina and Swainson, Michelle and Todd, David and Moore, Alison (2024) The feasibility of the ‘Play and Skills at Teatime Activities’ programme to generate positive outcomes in 5–8-year-old children and their families in Lancashire. Masters thesis, Lancaster University.

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Abstract

Background: The Play and Skills at Teatime Activities (PASTA) programme has been developed as a contribution to Lancashire’s system wide approach to reducing obesity and empowering families to make choices to live a healthier life. The 6-week after-school club aims to promote healthier eating and physical activity in families with children aged 5-to-8-years, living in wards with the highest prevalence of obesity. The purpose of this feasibility study was to evaluate the PASTA programme, across 3 districts of Lancashire-12, within the context of the RE-AIM framework. Method: 26 families with 31 children (6.7 ± 1.8 years) provided consent to participate in the project. Measures included parent/carer questionnaires around child diet, physical activity, and family behaviours, at baseline (week 1), programme end (week 6), and at follow-up data collection (~2mo.). Baseline child anthropometric measurements and family engagement data described programme reach. Qualitative measures consisted of 2 parent focus groups, to explore course acceptability, and any changes to perceptions, or attitudes. PASTA facilitators were interviewed to ascertain programme feasibility. Results: PASTA is reaching the target age-group within designated wards, but most of the children engaged were in the healthy weight range, and not living with overweight or obesity as the programme intended. Very small improvements were reported (week 1 – 6) in children’s dietary intake, and physical activity, with some changes suggestive of healthier family attitudes and behaviours. PASTA provided families with the opportunity, and capability to increase motivation in changing perceptions and attitudes towards a healthier diet. The study identified stakeholder engagement challenges as a key programme barrier, and programme enablers would be implementation of a longer intervention and a wider reaching programme (i.e., inclusion of further wards with the highest prevalence of obesity/ deprivation). PASTA adoption varied across the districts, but the programme was well-received by the families involved. Conclusion: Whilst this study was not designed to detect changes, data suggested some improvements to family behaviours at programme end. Overall, PASTA is acceptable and feasible, but most children recruited were not overweight and this was potentially due to marketing and recruitment focusing on healthy lifestyle focus rather than healthy weight. The findings suggest that PASTA could align more effectively with an approach targeting obesity prevention. Findings raised several considerations and recommendations for programme Reach, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance, which may have a positive impact on future PASTA delivery.