A cluster RCT and survey of parental responses to NCMP feedback.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A mixed methods approach to understanding parental responses to enhanced versus routine NCMP parental feedback across schools in three English counties.
IRAS ID
168376
Contact name
Anna V Sallis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Public Health England
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 1 days
Research summary
There are two parts to this study. The first is a cluster randomised controlled trial testing the impact of an enhanced National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) results letter on uptake of lifestyle weight management services. The NCMP measures the height and weight of children in England in reception and year 6. Most NCMP teams give results to parents via a letter. Local Authorities are keen to demonstrate a positive impact of the letter.
In Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland the existing feedback letter invites children who are overweight or very overweight to attend a local weight management service called FLiC (Family Lifestyle Club). Uptake is low.
All 322 schools in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland will be randomised and parents of year 6 children will receive a control or intervention letter. The control letter will be the same as the 2013/14 letter, updated for changes to the national guidelines. The intervention letter will include body images of children classified as underweight, healthy weight, overweight and very overweight to provide a visual marker for assessing children’s weight. Overweight and very overweight letters will also include a social norms statement about the number of overweight children in the area and more salient recommendations for uptake of weight management services. The primary outcome measure is confirmed registration for weight management services or booking a one to one appointment with a dietician at Leicester Nutrition and Dietetic Service (LNDS). Secondary outcome measures include attendance at LNDS bookings and numbers on the waiting list. We will record number and nature of enquiries and complaints to FLiC and the NCMP Team.
Additionally we will send a postal survey to parents to understand what other actions they have taken as a result of receiving the routine or enhanced feedback letter. This will be linked to the NCMP records.REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NE/1251
Date of REC Opinion
19 Dec 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion