Parents report positive changes in parental feeding practices 12 months after intervention

Authors: PIERCE, THERESA - Colorado State University; ARAGÓN, M - Washington State University Extension Service; AULD, GARRY - Colorado State University; BARALE, KAREN - Washington State University Extension Service; HUGHES, SHERYL - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC); POWER, THOMAS - Washington State University; LANIGAN, JANE - Washington State University; PARKER, LOUISE - Washington State University Extension Service; BAKER, SUSAN - Washington State University Extension Service

Submitted to: Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/13/2024
Publication Date: 4/23/2024
Citation: Pierce, T.B., Aragón, M.C., Auld, G., Barale, K.V., Hughes, S.O., Power, T.G., Lanigan, J.D., Parker, L., Baker, S.S. 2024. Parents report positive changes in parental feeding practices 12 months after intervention. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2024.03.012.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2024.03.012

Interpretive Summary: To better understand the effectiveness of a childhood obesity prevention program, focus groups were conducted with parents in the intervention group who completed the program and the 12-month follow-up assessments. This intervention was coupled with USDA's Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program. Thirty-seven parents of children ages 2-8 years were interviewed regarding their feeding practices which included establishing structured mealtime routines, introducing new foods multiple times, and encouraging children's eating competence. Both in-class and online participants showed better feeding practices after program completion. This work supports the use of parental feeding content in nutrition education.

Technical Abstract: Determine self-reported parental feeding behavior changes and perspectives on parental feeding intervention at 12-month follow-up. Telephone focus groups using a 2x2 design (English/Spanish x in-class or online) with Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program participants (n=37) with children 2-8 years and high exposure to the Food, Feeding, and Your Family intervention (7 lessons). Researchers (n=3) independently identified themes. Parental behavior changes that (1) positively influenced children's diets, (2) involved children in food-related activities, (3) eased stressful situations around food, (4) led to healthier food choices, and (5) saved money when food shopping. Commonly implemented practices included establishing structured mealtime routines, introducing new foods multiple times, and encouraging children's eating competence. Online participants noted materials were easily accessible via text messages. Incorporating parental feeding content (in-class or online) into nutrition education interventions, such as the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, supports developing positive parental feeding behaviors in families with low income.