Mentoring to be Active for Rural Appalachia Children

The innovative MPBA+F begins with peer-to-peer mentoring followed by structured parental/family support for long-term reinforcement of PA behaviors. Building and reinforcing skills, MPBA+F mitigates resource stressors and strengthens protective factors by providing culturally appropriate knowledge and skills to improve the sustainability of physical activity at home without the use of exercise equipment. By strengthening social support through peer and friendship networks and family-based support, MPBA+F responds to the unique needs of rural Appalachians in a culturally responsive way. This study targets physical activity among children with overweight, obesity, or extreme obesity because rural Appalachian communities identify sedentary activity as a key contributor to the high rates of obesity and diabetes risk among youth.

Inclusion Criteria:Children:enrolled in 7th grade at the start of the study,have a body mass index percentile of 85th or greater for age and gender,not under medical care for OB or type 1 diabetes,have reliable internet connection at home,have access to a computer, laptop or tablet at home,not expected to move from the participating county before the conclusion of the study.Parents:read at a 5th grade-level,speak English,have a home-mailing address (not PO box),have a working telephone number, andare not expected to move from the participating county before study conclusion.High school peer mentors:are in either 10th or 11th grade at the start of the recruitment,reside in a targeted county,interested in working with peers, supporting others, and striving to cultivate their own health-supportive behaviors,have reliable internet connection at home,have access to a computer, laptop or tablet at home,are not expected to move before the intervention ends,can speak English,are recommended by a teacher, school advisor, or counselor.Exclusion Criteria:Child:not in 7th grade at the start of the study.not able to read or Speak English;not classified as either overweight or obese at start of study.Parents :- not able to read or speak English.High school peer mentors:- cannot speak and read English.