Parents Report Positive Changes in Parental Feeding Practices 12 Months After Intervention

Theresa B Pierce; M Catalina Aragón; Garry Auld; Karen V Barale; Sheryl O Hughes; Thomas G Power; Jane D Lanigan; Louise Parker; Susan S Baker

doi:10.1016/j.jneb.2024.03.012

Parents Report Positive Changes in Parental Feeding Practices 12 Months After Intervention

J Nutr Educ Behav. 2024 Apr 23:S1499-4046(24)00057-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2024.03.012. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Theresa B Pierce¹, M Catalina Aragón², Garry Auld¹, Karen V Barale², Sheryl O Hughes³, Thomas G Power⁴, Jane D Lanigan⁴, Louise Parker⁵, Susan S Baker⁶

Affiliations

¹ Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.
² Washington State University Extension, Pierce County, Tacoma, WA.
³ US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.
⁴ Department of Human Development, Washington State University, Pullman, WA.
⁵ Washington State University Extension, Seattle, WA.
⁶ Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO. Electronic address: susan.baker@colostate.edu.

PMID: 38661626
DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2024.03.012

Abstract

Objective: Determine self-reported parental feeding behavior changes and perspectives on parental feeding intervention at 12-month follow-up.

Methods: Telephone focus groups using a 2 × 2 design (English/Spanish × 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusions and implications: 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.

Keywords: EFNEP; nutrition education; online delivery; parental feeding content.