Community Randomized Controlled Trial 2010-2011
View journal article here: Morgan et al. (2014). The HDHK community randomized controlled trial: A community-based healthy lifestyle program for fathers and their children. Preventive Medicine, 61(90-99)
In 2010, Coal and Allied funded HDHK to evaluate the program in a community setting in five LGAs. HDHK significantly improved health outcomes and behaviours in fathers and children, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness when delivered in a community setting by trained local facilitators. Of note, HDHK has been conducted in communities with a relatively low socio-economic status and high proportion of blue-collar shift workers e.g. mining sector.
Results demonstrated:
- Dads achieved significant improvements in BMI, waist circumference, and dietary and PA behaviours
- Children achieved significant improvements in adiposity, eating and PA.
- Fostered closer family bonds, increased dads’ involvement with their kids, and positively influenced family diet and exercise behaviours.
As a community-based program, HDHK was established on the principles of community engagement and collaboration. As such, strong school-community partnerships, community steering committees and trained local facilitators were a feature. This model is highly effective and of great benefit to the community. As Jenny Rozynski, Principal of Cessnock Public School, stated:
“I can’t think of a better, stronger model of the school-community partnership at work”.