Research

The overarching mission of the ‘Healthy Youngsters Healthy Dads’ (HYHD) research project has been to design, implement and evaluate a world first, practical and life-changing initiative to improve life outcomes for families and make a meaningful difference in communities.

The program was developed in 2017 with generous support from the Greater Charitable Foundation, Hunter Medical Research Institute, and Rotary Club of Newcastle. 

HYHD Pilot Program – 2018

The pilot feasibility trial of the HYHD research saw the development and evaluation of the program with 25 dads and youngsters at the University of Newcastle.

Impressive results were achieved, including:

  • Both Dads and Youngsters improved their physical activity levels
  • Youngsters reduced their time on screens, improved their sports skills and vegetable intake, and showed improved self control
  • Fathers reported increased time being active with their child one-on-one, reduced screen time and improved parenting practices for physical activity and healthy eating
  • 86% attendance was achieved over the 8-week program, which is an outstanding result for a community-based research program 
  • 100% of the participants agreed that the sessions were enjoyable and that the practical activities were appropriate for dads and their youngsters

Morgan, P., Collins, C., Barnes, A., Pollock, E., Kennedy, S., Saunders, K., Grounds, J., Rayward, A., & Young, M (In press). Engaging fathers to improve physical activity and nutrition in their pre-school aged children: The ‘Healthy Youngsters, Healthy Dads’ feasibility trial, Journal of Physical Activity and Health.

HYHD Randomised Controlled Trial – 2019

A rigorous, randomised controlled trial was conducted in 2019 to test the effectiveness of the program with 120 dads and their pre-school aged youngsters from the Newcastle region. 

Fathers and Youngsters again achieved significant and sustained positive health outcomes including: 

  • Youngsters and fathers both increased their physical activity levels and improved their dietary behaviours
  • Youngsters also markedly improved their sport skills, while fathers improved their parenting practices for screen time

In their own words, fathers reported:

“After doing this program, the relationship with my youngster (and even my other younger kids) has improved immensely - as well as our physical + emotional health!"

 “The program was excellent. Genuinely life changing. Thank you!”

 “You’ve helped me become a better parent. Bringing my daughter and I together in a fun and structured way has helped us as a family with long term benefits. It’s given me confidence as a parent and given me practical tools to keep improving as a parent, which will help the kids as well as my wife and I. Huge thanks to all of you”

 “I’ve noticed huge changes. I thought she had limited sports skills but realised I hadn’t started teaching her. Her confidence and willingness have increased the most”

HYHD Community Roll-out – 2019-2020

Roll out of the HYHD program in the Newcastle community commenced with 66 families in late 2019. Plans for additional programs in Term 2, 2020 were unfortunately placed on hold due to COVID-19, however with generous additional support from the Greater Charitable Foundation, sessions were able to be delivered to almost 80 families in Term 4, 2020.

This phase will measure effectiveness of the implementation of HYHD when delivered by trained facilitators in the Newcastle community.  The University will continue to oversee recruitment, training, general coordination and evaluation of the program. This phase will allow us to test the real-world effectiveness of the program.

 

We are looking for dads and their youngsters

Are you a dad who wants to spend quality time with your child participating in fun physical activities, whilst learning how to improve their sport skills, health and wellbeing…along with your own?

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