Trial Outcomes & Findings for Expanding the Family Check-Up in Early Childhood to Promote Cardiovascular Health of Mothers and Young Children (NCT NCT05473767)

NCT ID: NCT05473767

Last Updated: 2026-01-12

Results Overview

Weight change from post-delivery to 6 months; both will be measured by the study using validated Bluetooth devices and following standardized research protocols. Mean difference scores are reported.

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

NA

Target enrollment

117 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

Baseline to 6 months post-partum

Results posted on

2026-01-12

Participant Flow

In person and remote recruitment at several locations serving pregnant women and mothers with newborns including a large birthing hospital and WIC clinics. Eligibility criteria: (1) Single pregnancy or biological mother of child \< 2 months old, (2) Allegheny County, PA residency, (3) Medicaid or WIC receipt, (4) English fluency, (5) is/will be main caretaker of the baby in their home, and (6) no complex medical conditions. Participants were randomized 2:1 to the intervention after consent.

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
Family Check Up Control
The Family Check-Up is a home visiting program that typically takes place over the course of 3-5 sessions - An initial interview, assessment, feedback session, and optional treatment sessions. The Family Check-Up is designed to support child development and improve parental well-being.
Family Check-Up Heart
Family Check-Up Heart combines the traditional Family Check-Up with a heart health component.
Overall Study
STARTED
30
87
Overall Study
COMPLETED
15
54
Overall Study
NOT COMPLETED
15
33

Reasons for withdrawal

Withdrawal data not reported

Baseline Characteristics

Fewer participants were assessed for in person weight measurements.

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
Family Check Up Control
n=23 Participants
The Family Check-Up is a home visiting program that typically takes place over the course of 3-5 sessions - An initial interview, assessment, feedback session, and optional treatment sessions. The Family Check-Up is designed to support child development and improve parental well-being.
Family Check-Up Heart
n=71 Participants
Family Check-Up Heart combines the traditional Family Check-Up with a heart health component.
Total
n=94 Participants
Total of all reporting groups
Age, Continuous
28.3 Year
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.85 • n=23 Participants
29.7 Year
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.20 • n=71 Participants
29.4 Year
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.64 • n=94 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
23 Participants
n=23 Participants
71 Participants
n=71 Participants
94 Participants
n=94 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
0 Participants
n=23 Participants
0 Participants
n=71 Participants
0 Participants
n=94 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
2 Participants
n=23 Participants
2 Participants
n=71 Participants
4 Participants
n=94 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
0 Participants
n=23 Participants
0 Participants
n=71 Participants
0 Participants
n=94 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants
n=23 Participants
0 Participants
n=71 Participants
0 Participants
n=94 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
13 Participants
n=23 Participants
39 Participants
n=71 Participants
52 Participants
n=94 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
7 Participants
n=23 Participants
22 Participants
n=71 Participants
29 Participants
n=94 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
1 Participants
n=23 Participants
8 Participants
n=71 Participants
9 Participants
n=94 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
n=23 Participants
0 Participants
n=71 Participants
0 Participants
n=94 Participants
Weight at 4 weeks postpartum
186.43 Pounds
STANDARD_DEVIATION 63.79 • n=20 Participants • Fewer participants were assessed for in person weight measurements.
200.53 Pounds
STANDARD_DEVIATION 56.30 • n=52 Participants • Fewer participants were assessed for in person weight measurements.
196.76 Pounds
STANDARD_DEVIATION 58.27 • n=72 Participants • Fewer participants were assessed for in person weight measurements.
Pre-pregnancy weight
181.7 Pounds
STANDARD_DEVIATION 63.5 • n=20 Participants • Fewer participants were assessed for the staff-led interview.
200.6 Pounds
STANDARD_DEVIATION 60.5 • n=59 Participants • Fewer participants were assessed for the staff-led interview.
196.6 Pounds
STANDARD_DEVIATION 61.0 • n=79 Participants • Fewer participants were assessed for the staff-led interview.
Blood pressure (Systolic) at 4 weeks postpartum assessed using validated Bluetooth devices
115.05 Systolic mmHg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 17.97 • n=19 Participants • Fewer participants were assessed for in person blood pressure measurements.
120.92 Systolic mmHg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 14.30 • n=52 Participants • Fewer participants were assessed for in person blood pressure measurements.
119.35 Systolic mmHg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 15.45 • n=71 Participants • Fewer participants were assessed for in person blood pressure measurements.
Blood pressure (Diastolic) at 4 weeks postpartum assessed using validated Bluetooth devices
77.84 Diastolic mmHg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.38 • n=19 Participants • Fewer participants were assessed for in person blood pressure measurements.
83.79 Diastolic mmHg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 12.21 • n=52 Participants • Fewer participants were assessed for in person blood pressure measurements.
82.20 Diastolic mmHg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.97 • n=71 Participants • Fewer participants were assessed for in person blood pressure measurements.
BMI at 4 weeks postpartum
29.5 kg/m^2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 12.46 • n=20 Participants • Fewer participants were assessed for in person weight measurements.
32.73 kg/m^2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.97 • n=52 Participants • Fewer participants were assessed for in person weight measurements.
31.83 kg/m^2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.10 • n=72 Participants • Fewer participants were assessed for in person weight measurements.
Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants (REAP) - Shortened Version
27.43 Score (13-39)
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.46 • n=23 Participants • Two participants in the FCU Heart group did not complete the questionnaire.
26.9 Score (13-39)
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.59 • n=69 Participants • Two participants in the FCU Heart group did not complete the questionnaire.
27.10 Score (13-39)
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.54 • n=92 Participants • Two participants in the FCU Heart group did not complete the questionnaire.
Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ)
89.45 Score (0-308.85)
STANDARD_DEVIATION 65.91 • n=23 Participants
101.55 Score (0-308.85)
STANDARD_DEVIATION 59.72 • n=71 Participants
98.52 Score (0-308.85)
STANDARD_DEVIATION 61.19 • n=94 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to 6 months post-partum

Population: Participants who were retained for outcomes assessment were used in analyses.

Weight change from post-delivery to 6 months; both will be measured by the study using validated Bluetooth devices and following standardized research protocols. Mean difference scores are reported.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Family Check-Up Heart
n=46 Participants
Family Check-Up Heart combines the traditional Family Check-Up with a heart health component.
Family Check Up Control
n=13 Participants
The Family Check-Up is a home visiting program that typically takes place over the course of 3-5 sessions - An initial interview, assessment, feedback session, and optional treatment sessions. The Family Check-Up is designed to support child development and improve parental well-being.
Change in Postpartum Weight Retention
.29 Pounds
Standard Deviation 14.1
-.73 Pounds
Standard Deviation 9.9

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months post-partum

Population: Participants who were retained for outcomes assessment were used in analyses.

Weight at 6 months will be assessed by the study using validated Bluetooth devices and following standardized research protocols.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Family Check-Up Heart
n=46 Participants
Family Check-Up Heart combines the traditional Family Check-Up with a heart health component.
Family Check Up Control
n=13 Participants
The Family Check-Up is a home visiting program that typically takes place over the course of 3-5 sessions - An initial interview, assessment, feedback session, and optional treatment sessions. The Family Check-Up is designed to support child development and improve parental well-being.
Weight at 6 Months Postpartum
202.1 Pounds
Standard Deviation 58.3
200.2 Pounds
Standard Deviation 70.9

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to 6 months post-partum

Population: Participants who were retained for outcomes assessment were used in analyses.

First measured prenatal weight will be obtained from the participant's medical record at baseline. Weight at 6 months will be assessed by the study using validated Bluetooth devices and following standardized research protocols. Mean difference scores are reported.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Family Check-Up Heart
n=46 Participants
Family Check-Up Heart combines the traditional Family Check-Up with a heart health component.
Family Check Up Control
n=13 Participants
The Family Check-Up is a home visiting program that typically takes place over the course of 3-5 sessions - An initial interview, assessment, feedback session, and optional treatment sessions. The Family Check-Up is designed to support child development and improve parental well-being.
Weight Change From First Measured Prenatal Weight to 6 Months Postpartum
1.98 Pounds
Standard Deviation 18.9
11.5 Pounds
Standard Deviation 15.2

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to 6 months post-partum

Population: Participants who were retained for outcomes assessment were used in analyses.

Pre-pregnancy weight will be self-reported at the baseline assessment. Weight at 6 months post-partum will be assessed by the study using validated Bluetooth devices and following standardized research protocols. Mean difference scores are reported.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Family Check-Up Heart
n=46 Participants
Family Check-Up Heart combines the traditional Family Check-Up with a heart health component.
Family Check Up Control
n=13 Participants
The Family Check-Up is a home visiting program that typically takes place over the course of 3-5 sessions - An initial interview, assessment, feedback session, and optional treatment sessions. The Family Check-Up is designed to support child development and improve parental well-being.
Change in Self-reported Pre-pregnancy Weight to 6 Months Postpartum
4.7 Pounds
Standard Deviation 24.2
13.1 Pounds
Standard Deviation 24.2

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to 6 months post-partum

Population: Participants who were retained for outcomes assessment were used in analyses.

Blood pressure will be measured by the study at baseline and again at 6-months post-partum using validated Bluetooth devices and following standardized research protocols. Mean difference scores are reported.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Family Check-Up Heart
n=46 Participants
Family Check-Up Heart combines the traditional Family Check-Up with a heart health component.
Family Check Up Control
n=13 Participants
The Family Check-Up is a home visiting program that typically takes place over the course of 3-5 sessions - An initial interview, assessment, feedback session, and optional treatment sessions. The Family Check-Up is designed to support child development and improve parental well-being.
Change in Blood Pressure From Post-delivery to 6 Months.
Systolic mmHg
-1.4 mmHg
Standard Deviation 13.5
-1.76 mmHg
Standard Deviation 7.4
Change in Blood Pressure From Post-delivery to 6 Months.
Diastolic mmHg
-3.59 mmHg
Standard Deviation 13.2
-1.38 mmHg
Standard Deviation 6.8

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to 6 months post-partum

Population: Participants who were retained for outcomes assessment were used in analyses.

First measured prenatal blood pressure will be obtained from the participant's medical record at baseline. Blood pressure at 6 months post-partum will be assessed by the study using validated Bluetooth devices and following standardized research protocols. Mean difference scores are reported.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Family Check-Up Heart
n=46 Participants
Family Check-Up Heart combines the traditional Family Check-Up with a heart health component.
Family Check Up Control
n=13 Participants
The Family Check-Up is a home visiting program that typically takes place over the course of 3-5 sessions - An initial interview, assessment, feedback session, and optional treatment sessions. The Family Check-Up is designed to support child development and improve parental well-being.
Change in Blood Pressure From First Prenatal Visit to 6 Months.
Systolic mmHg
-.20 mmHg
Standard Deviation 14.4
-6.3 mmHg
Standard Deviation 12.8
Change in Blood Pressure From First Prenatal Visit to 6 Months.
Diastolic mmHg
8.8 mmHg
Standard Deviation 11.7
8.3 mmHg
Standard Deviation 12.2

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months post-partum

Population: Participants who were retained for outcomes assessment were used in analyses.

Blood pressure at 6 months post-partum will be assessed by the study using validated Bluetooth devices and following standardized research protocols.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Family Check-Up Heart
n=46 Participants
Family Check-Up Heart combines the traditional Family Check-Up with a heart health component.
Family Check Up Control
n=13 Participants
The Family Check-Up is a home visiting program that typically takes place over the course of 3-5 sessions - An initial interview, assessment, feedback session, and optional treatment sessions. The Family Check-Up is designed to support child development and improve parental well-being.
Blood Pressure at 6 Months Post-partum
Systolic mmHg
119.1 mmHg
Standard Deviation 12.5
117.4 mmHg
Standard Deviation 15.4
Blood Pressure at 6 Months Post-partum
Diastolic mmHg
79.8 mmHg
Standard Deviation 9.0
78.5 mmHg
Standard Deviation 11.4

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months post-partum

Population: Participants who were retained for outcomes assessment were used in analyses.

Height and Weight at 6 months post-partum will be assessed by the study using a validated Bluetooth scale and following standardized research protocols.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Family Check-Up Heart
n=46 Participants
Family Check-Up Heart combines the traditional Family Check-Up with a heart health component.
Family Check Up Control
n=13 Participants
The Family Check-Up is a home visiting program that typically takes place over the course of 3-5 sessions - An initial interview, assessment, feedback session, and optional treatment sessions. The Family Check-Up is designed to support child development and improve parental well-being.
BMI at 6 Months Post-partum
32.9 kg/m²
Standard Deviation 9.2
32.7 kg/m²
Standard Deviation 12.5

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to 6 months post-partum

Population: Participants who were retained for outcomes assessment were used in analyses.

Eating behaviors will be assessed at baseline and 6 months post-partum using the Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants - Shortened Version. The Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants is a 16-item self-report scale assessing frequency of various eating behaviors such as skipping breakfast and eating fried foods. Items are rated on a 3-point response scale ranging from Usually/Often (1) to Rarely/Never (3). Three items also have a "Does not apply to me" option which is also coded as a 3. An example of an item with this option is "Eat more than 8 ounces of meat, chicken, turkey, or fish per day." The first 13 items are summed to create a score where higher values indicate healthier eating behaviors. Minimum and maximum scores are 13 and 39, respectively. Mean difference scores are reported.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Family Check-Up Heart
n=46 Participants
Family Check-Up Heart combines the traditional Family Check-Up with a heart health component.
Family Check Up Control
n=13 Participants
The Family Check-Up is a home visiting program that typically takes place over the course of 3-5 sessions - An initial interview, assessment, feedback session, and optional treatment sessions. The Family Check-Up is designed to support child development and improve parental well-being.
Change in Eating Behaviors
.39 Score
Standard Deviation 3.8
-.50 Score
Standard Deviation 4.1

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Baseline to 6 months post-partum

Population: Participants who were retained for outcomes assessment were used in analyses.

Physical activity will be measured using the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire. The Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire is a 26-item self-report of activities such as jogging or running, dancing, and watching television or a video. Items are rated on a 6-point likert-type scale ranging from Never to 3 or more hours per day. Responses are weighted to generate metabolic equivalent codes. Specifically, the self-reported time spent in each activity will be multiplied by its intensity to arrive at a measure of average weekly energy expenditure attributable to each activity. The metabolic equivalent codes are then summed to create a physical activity score where higher values indicate greater physical activity. Minimum and maximum scores are 0 and 308.85, respectively. Mean difference scores are reported.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Family Check-Up Heart
n=46 Participants
Family Check-Up Heart combines the traditional Family Check-Up with a heart health component.
Family Check Up Control
n=13 Participants
The Family Check-Up is a home visiting program that typically takes place over the course of 3-5 sessions - An initial interview, assessment, feedback session, and optional treatment sessions. The Family Check-Up is designed to support child development and improve parental well-being.
Change in Physical Activity
27.8 Score
Standard Deviation 75.8
20.2 Score
Standard Deviation 91.1

Adverse Events

Family Check Up Control

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Family Check-Up Heart

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Other adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Additional Information

Janet M Catov, PhD MS

University of Pittsburgh

Phone: 412-641-6217

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place