Uptake, retention and engagement of children participating in the cluster randomised controlled trial of the Healthy Lifestyles Programme (HeLP)

Abstract

I n 2013, we presented the development of a novel, school-located obesity prevention programme called the Healthy Lifestyles Programme (HeLP) (Wyatt & Lloyd, 2013). At this time we had just embarked on the 5-year definitive trial to assess the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of HeLP in 32 schools across Devon (funded by the National Institute for Health Research Public Health Research Programme). The current paper is an update of our progress to date and will provide a brief overview of the programme and the trial and present data on child recruitment and follow up as well as uptake and engagement of children and parents receiving the HeLP programme.