Priority Populations in Early Childhood Obesity Prevention Interventions: A Scoping Review.

Abstract

Background: Childhood obesity disproportionately affects priority populations, including racial and ethnic minority groups and those with lower socio-economic backgrounds. These groups often encounter barriers to accessing public health services and may benefit from targeted interventions.

Objective: This scoping review aimed to identify the characteristics of populations involved in interventions to prevent early childhood obesity and to understand whether and how existing interventions targeted and reached priority populations.

Methods: Databases and trial registries were systematically searched until 4 October 2024, for planned, ongoing, and completed randomised controlled trials evaluating parent-focussed, behavioural interventions for childhood obesity prevention, starting within the first year of life. Two reviewers independently extracted data using a customised tool.

Results: Of the 11 960 articles identified, 82 trials were eligible. Most trials (87%) were conducted (or planned) in high-income countries, 11% in upper middle-income countries, and 2% in lower middle-income countries. Priority populations included parent-child dyads from specific ethnic or racial groups facing psychological, social, and/or economic disadvantages. Among the completed trials, 54% targeted priority populations, yet only 33% exclusively enrolled participants from these groups. Additionally, less than a quarter of the trials involved priority populations in the design of interventions (17%) and developed tailored interventions for these groups (21%).

Conclusions: Current interventions do not sufficiently target, reach and engage priority populations. To achieve health equity in early childhood obesity prevention, it is essential to include underserved and at-risk populations in research and intervention design.