TOYBOX

"Multifactorial evidence based approach using behavioural models in understanding and promoting fun, healthy food, play and policy for the prevention of obesity in early childhood: ToyBox"

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Objective The ToyBox proposal addresses KBBE-2009-2-1-03 - Behavioural models for prevention of obesity, with a particular focus on children. It will primary aim to influence children’s behaviours and prevent obesity in early childhood. Strategy The proposal will identify key behaviours related to early childhood obesity and their determinants and evaluate behavioural models and educational strategies. Based on the obtained insights at a local level, a multidisciplinary team will develop and implement a school based family involved intervention programme that could be applied on a European scale. Process, impact, outcome and cost-effectiveness evaluation will be conducted to support decision making for European Public Health Policy. Methods The combined use of Precede-Proceed Model and Intervention Mapping will provide the framework for the development, implementation and evaluation of the ToyBox intervention. To achieve this, the project will be subdivided into 10 WPs. This carefully planned stepwise approach will include systematic reviews, secondary analyses of existing data sets, focus group research and school policies overview. Consortium The ToyBox project consortium spans the necessary multidisciplinary variety of experts such as public health experts, epidemiologists, nutritionists, physical activity experts, pedagogists, psychologists, behavioural scientists, nutritionists, paediatricians, early childhood psychologists, health economists, totalling 15 partners, from 10 countries. The consortium, consists of 11 universities, 1 research institute, 2 advocacy groups and an SME representing all regions of Europe. The consortium has ample experience in conducting and coordinating multi-centre international research as well as undertaking dissemination activities to all relevant stakeholders.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Early school- and parent-based interventions targeting childhood obesity are made possible through healthcare and community efforts.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Increasing rates of childhood obesity worldwide call for urgent attention. Preventative measures and effective policies need to be applied at early developmental stages, given the potential for severe physical and mental health effects of obesity. Setting a good basis for healthy eating behaviours early on promises a better chance of long-term health in adulthood.

With the help of EU funding, the http://www.toybox-study.eu/ (TOYBOX) project identified key aspects contributing to early childhood obesity. Partners rolled out and evaluated behavioural models and educational strategies that can prevent childhood onset of obesity. This was achieved based on insights obtained at a local level and through the implementation of a school-based, family-involved intervention programme promoting healthy food, fun and active play in preschool settings.

Efforts focused on deepening our understanding and knowledge of behaviours and their determinants in the progression to early childhood obesity. To inform and support development of the intervention material, researchers conducted systematic and narrative reviews, secondary analyses, focus group research and societal assessments. These activities served as a guide for evaluations related to process, impact, outcome and cost effectiveness.

Partners prepared a series of reports based on initial research efforts and findings. These offer information on energy balance-related behaviours of young children in relation to early childhood overweight and obesity, high-risk population groups in the context of these behaviours, and country-specific assessments of the most important of these behaviours.

In addition, TOYBOX has evaluated contextual factors that could affect implementation of interventions in the kindergarten setting, and examined regulations, policies and legislations on local, regional and national levels for the targeted European countries. Recent and ongoing health promotion activities at pre-primary school settings in Europe were researched and the contextual factors affecting their success were identified.

The project's all-encompassing approach to developing effective interventions and health-promoting activities for this youthful population has the potential to drive down obesity rates and ward off negative health impacts for increased longevity.