The purpose of the study is to pilot test an intervention designed for Latino families of children with IDD to help promote healthy behaviors. We are doing this study because children with developmental disabilities are at high risk of being overweight and their family members may also have health problems. We designed this intervention with input from people like you to make sure it is useful and relevant to your day-to-day life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who may participate in the study?
Mothers or female guardians who have a child with a developmental disability (autism, Down syndrome, or intellectual disability) who is able to walk and between the ages of 6-17. The child will also be a participant.
What will you ask me to do?
If you choose to participate, you will be asked to attend 10 weekly remote one-on-one sessions with a community health worker who is also a Latina caregiver (usually mother) of a child with an I/DD. You will also be asked to attend 3 monthly group sessions (with 3 to 5 families) to be held in-person. The weekly remote sessions will be conducted on a videocall platform or by telephone. The group sessions will be held at a community friendly location.
We will send you $25 in the form of a gift card at the end of each telephone interview for a total of up to $100 (two before the intervention and two after). For each group session you attend we will give you $10.00 cash for transportation. After your last interview, you will receive $25 for attending a focus group. If you complete all of the interviews and group sessions, you will receive $155 ($30 in cash and $125 in gift cards).
There is a risk that you might experience the inconvenience of arranging appointments or may feel emotional sharing your personal experiences. You may benefit from the study by learning some new activities and behaviors that may improve your health and that of your child. Also, others might benefit because this study will help us know how to better support the healthy habits of families like yours.
How will the results of this study be used?
We will analyze the data collected about eating, physical activity, and health behaviors, so that we can create better ways to support the health of Latino families like yours. We will share this information through reports with researchers, policy makers, organizations, and families.
Are you interested in participating in a university study?
The University of Texas School of Social Work is conducting a study to promote healthy eating, physical activity, and health behaviors of your child and family, so we can create better ways to support the health of Latino families like yours. As a participant you will receive up to $155 and tips on promoting health for you and your child.
How can you find out more?
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You can also call and leave a message, or email
Dr. Sandy Magaña
Phone: 512-232-9216
Email: smagana@austin.utexas.edu