The impact of community-based childhood obesity prevention interventions in Australia by socio-economic position: An individual participant data meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION

Community-based interventions (CBIs) to prevent childhood obesity show promise in reducing body mass index z-scores (zBMI). Assessing whether this approach produces equitable outcomes across socio-economic sub-groups is typically limited by inadequate sample size. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of CBIs on zBMI and weight-related behaviours by socio-economic position (SEP).

METHODS

Individual participant data meta-analysis using seven Australian childhood obesity prevention CBIs conducted between 2003 and 2022. Trials used consistent intervention approaches, objectively measured height and weight, and self- or parent-reported behaviours, and lasted 2-4 years. Area-level SEP was estimated using Australian Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage tertiles based on home or school postcodes. Multi-level linear and logistic models estimated the intervention effect on zBMI and behaviours across SEP levels.

RESULTS

While zBMI scores increased across all groups, the increase was significantly greater in control compared to intervention students (difference: -0.036 [95%CI -0.065, -0.007]), among the 25 346 observations analysed. The effect of CBIs was greater in low compared to high SEP students (intervention effect difference = -0.10 [95%CI -0.18, -0.02]).

DISCUSSION

Obesity prevention CBIs may have greater impacts among children from low SEP areas, potentially contributing to reducing health inequities. Further research is needed to understand barriers to improving weight-related behaviours across socio-economic groups.