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Completed

NCT Number: NCT01262768

Efficacy of Portion Size Measurement Aids

Portion size measurement aids (PSMAs) are tools that facilitate the estimation of food servings. The objectives of this study are to determine (a) if food portion size estimation accuracy differs when using a two dimensional (2D) PSMA (actual-size photos called Portion Size Cards) compared to a 3D PSMA (Portion Size Kit) and (b) whether differences exist in the short-term usefulness of and satisfaction with these PSMAs in a sample of parents of overweight children and youth. We hypothesize that the group that receives the 3D PSMAs will be more accurate in food portion size estimation and will be more satisfied with the tool compared to the group that receives the 2D PSMAs.

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Key information

Conditions

Nutrition Assessment Body Weight Nutrition Disorders Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases Obesity Overnutrition Overweight Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Pediatric Centre for Weight and Health- Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre

Edmonton, Alberta, T6K 0L4, Canada

About this study

Forty primary caregivers of overweight children and youth attending the Pediatric Centre for Weight and Health (Edmonton, AB) will be recruited. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups (2D PSMAs versus 3D PSMAs). After a brief explanation of the respective tool, participants will estimate the volumes of pre-measured rubber food portion models on a test plate. Participants will then be given the 2D or 3D PSMAs to take home with them to use in the real-world. After 2-4 weeks, participants will be telephoned by the research team to complete a brief survey to evaluate their usefulness of and satisfaction with the 2D or 3D PSMAs at home.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Participants must be primary caregivers of children or youth attending a clinical appointment for weight management (clients must have a BMI greater or equal to the 85th percentile at this clinic)
  • Participants must be literate and fluent in English

Exclusion criteria

  • Any participant who does not meet the above criteria
  • Participants must not have had any previous education or resources on food portion sizes at this clinic

Treatment and study plan

Portion Size Measurement Aids (PSMAs)

Behavioral

Subjects are randomly assigned to receive either 2D or 3D PSMAs to examine accuracy, acceptability and usefulness of the models. Both groups receive brief instructions on the use of the respective PSMAs, complete an accuracy estimation task, and are given the 2D or 3D PSMAs to take home with them to use for 2-4 weeks, after which the researchers telephone parents to complete a brief satisfaction and usefulness survey.

Other names: 2D Portion Size Measurement Aids (PSMAs), 3D Portion Size Measurement Aids (PSMAs)

Primary outcomes

  1. Accuracy of food portion size estimation

    Time frame: At the time of subject interview (single time point)

    During the initial interview, the subject receives a brief description of the task and is shown pre-estimated rubber food models. The subject then estimates the portion sizes (volumes) of the rubber food models using either 2D or 3D PSMAs.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Acceptability (satisfaction and usefulness) of 2D and 3D PSMAs

    Time frame: 2-4 weeks following the accuracy assessment

    After the intial interview, subjects are given either 2D or 3D PSMAs to take home with them to use in a real-world setting. After 2-4 weeks, the researcher team contacts the subjects to complete a brief telephone interview to determine parental satisfaction and usefulness regarding the 2D or 3D PSMAs.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Alberta

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Exploring the Accuracy and Acceptability of Portion Size Measurement Aids in Parents of Overweight Children

Acronym: PSMA

Important dates

Study start
2010
Primary completion
2013
Study completion
2014
First posted
Dec 17, 2010
Registry last updated
Feb 20, 2014

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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