Deaf Weight Wise: A novel randomized clinical trial with Deaf sign language users

• DOI: 10.1002/oby.23702
• Publication Date: 2023-03-09T03:09:11Z
• Authors: Steven Barnett; Kelly Matthews; Lori DeWindt; Erika Sutter; Carmen Samuel‐Hodge; Hongmei Yang; Thomas A. Pearson
• Keywords: Attendance

Abstract Objective The goal of this study was to address the absence evidence‐based weight‐control programs developed for use with Deaf people. Methods Community‐based participatory research informed design Weight Wise (DWW) trial and intervention. DWW focuses primarily on healthy lifestyle weight through change in diet exercise. enrolled 104 adults aged 40 70 years BMI 25 45 from community settings Rochester, New York, randomized participants immediate intervention ( n = 48) or 1‐year delayed 56). serves as a no‐intervention comparison until midpoint. collected data five times (every 6 months) baseline 24 months. All leaders are people who American Sign Language (ASL). Results At months, difference mean immediate‐intervention arm versus delayed‐intervention (no yet) −3.4 kg (multiplicity‐adjusted p 0.0424; 95% CI: −6.1 −0.8 kg). Most (61.6%) lost ≥5% 18.1% no‐intervention‐yet < 0.001). Participant engagement indicators include attendance 11/16 sessions (69%), 92% completed 24‐month collection. Conclusion DWW, community‐engaged, culturally appropriate, language‐accessible behavioral loss intervention, successful ASL users.