Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

The Family Stress Study - Chronic Stress and Child Adiposity: Testing a Bio-behavioural Model

The Family Stress Study is observing families with young children in the Guelph and Hamilton areas over three years. Its main goal is to understand how ongoing stress in a family might lead to children gaining more weight over time. The study will look into different types of stress, such as messy homes, difficult life events, not having enough food, or a parent feeling down. It will also explore how factors like children's stress hormone levels and their habits (like eating, sleeping, and how active they are) might link stress to weight gain. This research also considers how things like good family relationships, a child's sex, and family support might change how stress affects a child's weight.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University of Guelph

Enrolment target

300

Start

09 Jul 2020

Estimated completion

30 May 2027

Pediatric Obesity Mental Health Wellness 1

What is this study about?

The Family Stress Study is a research project designed to help us better understand how ongoing stress in families might affect the weight and overall health of young children. Researchers are following families with children aged 2 to 6 in the Guelph and Hamilton areas for three years. They want to see if different types of stress – like a busy, sometimes chaotic home, difficult changes in life, not always having enough food, or a parent experiencing sadness or low mood – are connected to children gaining more weight than expected.

Beyond just looking at a direct link, the study will explore *how* this connection might work. This includes examining children's stress hormone levels (we all have a natural stress hormone called cortisol) and everyday behaviours like what they eat, how they sleep, and how much physical activity they get. The study also recognizes that other things might play a part, such as how good the relationships are within the family, whether the child is a boy or a girl, and how much support the family gets from friends or community.

Ultimately, by understanding these links, researchers hope to find the best ways to prevent obesity in children, especially in those who might be experiencing more stress at home. They're also looking at how the unique stresses from the COVID-19 pandemic – like quarantines, illnesses, changes in jobs, or money worries – might have impacted children's health and weight outcomes during that time. This knowledge could help create better support for families in the future.

Key takeaways

The study explores how family stress affects children's weight over three years.
It's for families with young children (2-6 years old) in Guelph and Hamilton areas.
Researchers will collect information through surveys and simple measures like hair samples.
No new treatments or medicines are given; it's an observational study.
The goal is to help develop better ways to prevent childhood obesity in the future.
Participation is voluntary, and you can leave the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for families who have at least one adult caregiver responsible for a child between 2 and 6 years old. You need to live in the Guelph or Hamilton areas (including nearby towns like Rockwood, Fergus, Ancaster, Dundas, and Burlington) and plan to stay there for the next three years.

There are a few reasons why a family might not be able to join. The main caregiver completing the questionnaires needs to be able to speak and understand English fluently. Also, if your family has already been part of another study called the Guelph Family Health Study, you won't be able to join this one. For separated or divorced parents, the caregiver taking part must have at least 50% shared care of the child.

Children with certain health conditions that affect their weight, growth, or stress hormone levels (like Cushing's Disease or untreated thyroid problems) can't participate. Children who are taking certain medications, such as steroid medicines (pills or inhalers), or medicines for ADHD, depression, or certain mental health conditions, are also not eligible. Finally, children born prematurely (before 34 weeks of pregnancy) also cannot take part, as their growth may be different.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do you have a child between 2 and 6 years old?
Do you live in the Guelph or Hamilton area and plan to stay for three years?
Can the main caregiver speak and understand English fluently?
Has your family *not* participated in the Guelph Family Health Study before?
Does your child *not* have certain health conditions that affect weight or stress hormones?
Is your child *not* taking steroid medications or specific medications for ADHD or depression?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in The Family Stress Study, researchers will follow your family for three years. This is an "observational" study, meaning you won't be given any new treatments or medicines. Instead, the researchers will collect information through questionnaires about your family's experiences, stress levels, and your child's habits. They will also gather some biological information from your child, like hair samples to measure stress hormones and measurements of their height and weight. There will be regular check-ins over the three years to collect this information. You can stop participating at any time.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer some benefits, such as contributing to a better understanding of how stress affects children's health, which could lead to better support for families in the future. As this is an observational study, there are no direct medical risks from experimental treatments. The main potential risks might include the time commitment required for participation and any mild inconvenience from providing samples or answering personal questions. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your child's care or your relationship with medical professionals.

Locations (2)

University of Guelph
Verified postcode
Guelph, Canada
McMaster University
Verified postcode
Hamilton, Canada

Common questions

What is 'chronic stress'?

Chronic stress means ongoing or long-term stress in a family, like a messy home, difficult changes in life, or worries about money and food.

How will my child's stress hormone be measured?

Researchers will collect a small hair sample from your child to measure their stress hormone, cortisol. This is a simple and painless process.

Will my child receive any special treatment or medicine?

No, this is an 'observational' study, meaning you and your child will not be given any new treatments or medicines. The study is about observing and understanding.

What if I feel uncomfortable answering some questions?

You don't have to answer any questions that make you feel uncomfortable. Your participation is voluntary, and you can skip questions or withdraw at any time.

Will my personal information be kept private?

Yes, all your family's information will be kept confidential and private, meaning it will not be shared with others outside the research team in a way that identifies you.