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Jongenelis MI, Budden T, Jackson B, Christian H, Nathan A, Coall D, Glassenbury E. Australian children's physical activity and screen time while in grandparental care. Aust N Z J Public Health 2024:100146. [PMID: 38772840 DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2024.100146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to explore Australian children's engagement in physical activity and screen time while being cared for by their grandparents. METHOD Grandparents (N = 1,190) providing ≥3 hours of weekly care to a grandchild aged 3-14 years completed an online survey assessing their grandchildren's movement behaviours while in their care. Descriptive statistics were computed for frequency of engagement in unstructured and structured physical activities, minutes spent playing outdoors, and minutes spent engaged in screen time. Regression analyses were conducted to assess socio-demographic predictors of movement behaviours. RESULTS Playing in the yard was the most common form of physical activity in which grandchildren reportedly participated (77% 'usually' or 'always'), followed by playing with toys/equipment (62%). Few (14-36%) frequently engaged in active transport. Children spent an average of 181 minutes per week engaged in screen-based activities. CONCLUSIONS There is an opportunity to improve children's movement behaviours while in grandparental care. Communicating to grandparents their importance in supporting an active lifestyle is warranted. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH Findings highlight the importance of creating environments that facilitate play-based, outdoor activities. Ensuring children have access to play equipment while in the care of grandparents and improving access to and quality of neighbourhood parks may assist with activity promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle I Jongenelis
- Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
| | - Timothy Budden
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, 6009, Australia; School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science), The University of Western Australia, Crawley, 6008, Australia
| | - Ben Jackson
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, 6009, Australia; School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science), The University of Western Australia, Crawley, 6008, Australia
| | - Hayley Christian
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, 6009, Australia; School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, 6008, Australia
| | - Andrea Nathan
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, 6009, Australia
| | - David Coall
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, 6027, Australia
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Xie H, Lopez A, Henderson MC, Hernandez N, Besnilian A. Latinx Grandparents' Child Feeding Practices and Interaction with Parents. FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES RESEARCH JOURNAL 2024; 52:213-225. [PMID: 38774766 PMCID: PMC11105021 DOI: 10.1111/fcsr.12504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Despite Latinx grandparents' substantial involvement in child rearing, there is limited understanding of their child feeding practices. A survey examined 80 Latinx mothers' perception of Latinx grandparents' feeding practices and interaction with parents. Results showed grandparents engaged in positive feeding somewhat frequently and negative feeding somewhat infrequently. Mother-grandparent disagreement and grandparent-parent(s) communication on child feeding occurred at a moderate level of frequency. Mother-grandparent disagreement was associated with higher frequency of grandparents' negative feeding, while grandparent-parent(s) communication was associated with higher frequency of positive feeding by grandparents. Finally, grandparents' behaviors and practices varied depending on characteristics of grandparents, mothers, and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xie
- Department of Recreation and Tourism Management, California State University, Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330-8269
| | - Aylin Lopez
- Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, California State University, Northridge
| | - Melissa C. Henderson
- Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, California State University, Northridge
| | - Naty Hernandez
- Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, California State University, Northridge
| | - Annette Besnilian
- Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, Marilyn Magaram Center Center for Food Science, Nutrition, and Dietetics, California State University, Northridge
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Jongenelis MI, Budden T. The Influence of Grandparents on Children's Dietary Health: A Narrative Review. Curr Nutr Rep 2023; 12:395-406. [PMID: 37329476 PMCID: PMC10444634 DOI: 10.1007/s13668-023-00483-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To examine and synthesise recent evidence on the role of grandparents in shaping children's dietary health. RECENT FINDINGS The influence of grandparents on children's dietary health was evident across studies. Grandparents frequently provide their grandchildren with meals and snacks, and engage in many of the same feeding practices used by parents. Although grandparents report providing their grandchildren with healthy foods, the provision of treat foods high in sugar or fat was a common finding. This provision led to family conflict, with the indulgent behaviours of grandparents seen by parents as a barrier to healthy eating. Grandparents are exerting significant influence on child dietary health. Efforts are needed to ensure these care providers are considered key stakeholders in the promotion of healthy eating and are targeted in policies and programs addressing children's diets. Research that determines how to best support grandparents to foster healthy behaviours in children is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle I Jongenelis
- Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia.
| | - Timothy Budden
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science), The University of Western Australia, Perth, 6008, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, 6008, Australia
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Cowan S, Dordevic A, Sinclair AJ, Truby H, Sood S, Gibson S. Investigating the efficacy and feasibility of using a whole-of-diet approach to lower circulating levels of C-reactive protein in postmenopausal women: a mixed methods pilot study. Menopause 2023; 30:738-749. [PMID: 37192829 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chronic inflammation is associated with obesity and is an underlying pathophysiology for cardiovascular disease (CVD) development in postmenopausal women. This study aims to determine feasibility and efficacy of an anti-inflammatory dietary intervention to lower levels of C-reactive protein in weight stable postmenopausal women with abdominal obesity. METHODS This mixed-methods pilot study used a single arm pre-post design. Thirteen women followed a 4-week anti-inflammatory, dietary intervention, optimizing consumption of healthy fats, low glycemic index wholegrains, and dietary antioxidants. Quantitative outcomes included change in inflammatory and metabolic markers. Focus groups were undertaken and thematically analyzed to explore participants lived experience of following the diet. RESULTS There was no significant change in plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive, protein. Despite discouraging weight loss, median (Q1-Q3) body weight decreased by -0.7 (-1.3 to 0 kg, P = 0.02). This was accompanied by reductions in plasma insulin (0.90 [-0.05 to 2.20] mmol/L), Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (0.29 [-0.03 to 0.59]), and low-density lipoprotein:high-density lipoprotein ratio (0.18 [-0.01 to 0.40]) ( P ≤ 0.023 for all). Thematic analysis revealed that postmenopausal women have a desire to improve meaningful markers of health status that do not focus on weight. Women were highly engaged with learning about emerging and innovative nutrition topics, favoring a detailed and comprehensive nutrition education style that challenged their proficient health literacy and cooking skills. CONCLUSIONS Weight-neutral dietary interventions targeting inflammation can improve metabolic markers and may be a viable strategy for CVD risk reduction in postmenopausal women. To determine effects on inflammatory status, a fully powered and longer-term randomized controlled trial is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Cowan
- From the Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Aimee Dordevic
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | | | - Helen Truby
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Surbhi Sood
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Simone Gibson
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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Robinson A, Jongenelis MI, Morley B, Talati Z. Exploring grandparents' receptivity to and preferences for a grandchild nutrition-focused intervention: A qualitative study. Aust N Z J Public Health 2023; 47:100001. [PMID: 36669246 DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2022.100001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Interventions promoting healthy eating in children typically overlook the critical role of grandparent caregivers. Utilising a co-design approach, this study (i) assessed the receptiveness of grandparents to a nutrition-focused resource aimed at promoting healthy eating in their grandchildren and (ii) explored grandparents' preferences for resource delivery and dissemination. METHODS Seventy-nine grandparents (58% female; mean age=69.37 years) who were secondary carers to a grandchild aged 3-12 years participated in one of 10 focus groups. Focus group transcripts were imported into NVivo for coding and semantic thematic analysis. RESULTS The vast majority of focus groups (n=9) were receptive to receiving a nutrition-focused resource. Participants indicated that such a resource should contain strategies that help grandparents promote healthy eating in their grandchildren rather than outline what grandchildren should be fed. A range of delivery (pamphlets, seminars and fridge magnets) and dissemination (online, email) methods were suggested. CONCLUSIONS A nutrition resource that equips grandparents with the strategies they need to promote healthy eating in their grandchildren would likely be welcomed. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH Results provide program developers with the preliminary information required to tailor childhood lifestyle interventions to the needs of grandparents, thus helping increase acceptability and uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby Robinson
- Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Michelle I Jongenelis
- Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
| | - Belinda Morley
- Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, 615 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Zenobia Talati
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia, 6102, Australia
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Diet Quality and Changes in Food Intake during the University Studies in Polish Female Young Adults: Linkages with Food Experiences from Childhood and Perceived Nutrition Concerns. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14163399. [PMID: 36014902 PMCID: PMC9416646 DOI: 10.3390/nu14163399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The transition from adolescence to young adulthood may be associated with unfavorable changes in food intake due to some substantial transformations in social life and environment. Factors that affect food choices and diet quality during early adulthood are still not well-recognized. This paper aims to explore the relationship between females’ childhood food experiences related to parents’ monitoring practices and healthy eating guidance, perceived nutrition concerns, changes in food intake during university studies, and diet quality. A cross-sectional study with the use of CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interview) was carried out on 657 female students aged 19–30 years. Beliefs and Eating Habits Questionnaire (KomPAN) was used to assess the frequency of eating various kinds of food and then to calculate the diet-quality index (DQI). Adults’ Memories of Feeding in Childhood (AMoFiC) questionnaire was used to assess food experiences from childhood, and Health Concern Scale (HCS) was used to assess nutrition concerns. Associations between changes in food intake, diet quality, and selected factors describing the study sample were verified using logistic regression analysis. The DQI of the majority of students indicated a low intensity of nonhealthy and pro-healthy dietary characteristics. The intensity was higher among nutrition and health students, those with low nutrition concerns, and those with childhood experiences of monitoring. The chances of a negative change in food intake were increased by a higher score for childhood food experiences associated with parents’ monitoring practices. The chances of a negative DQI were increased by bigger concerns about nutrition and by technical and agricultural majors; however, they were reduced by positive changes in food intake. Both childhood food experiences and perceived nutrition concerns should be factored into strategies aimed at improving youth diet and educating parents about effective parental feeding practices.
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Mathews R, Nadorff D. Too Many Treats or Not Enough to Eat? The Impact of Caregiving Grandparents on Child Food Security and Nutrition. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19105796. [PMID: 35627334 PMCID: PMC9141154 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19105796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
With the number of grandparent-headed households on the rise, the influence of grandparents needs to be considered in the fight to reduce child obesity. The current study investigated the influence of caregiver type (i.e., grandparents only, parents only, or multi-generational households) on children’s nutrition, food security, and BMI. This was a cross-sectional, secondary analysis based on the 2009–2010 wave of the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) survey in collaboration with the World Health Organization. This sample included 12,181 students from 10,837 families with only parents present in the household, 238 with only grandparents present, and 1106 multi-generational families. One-way analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) were conducted using caregiver type as the independent variable, controlling for SES, on items assessing frequency of breakfast consumption, nutrition intake, hunger, snacking frequency and location, and BMI. Children reported more unhealthy snacking in households with only grandparents. Hunger was reported more often in multi-generational households. These results support that caregiver type, especially caregiving grandparents, is a significant predictor of children’s BMI, nutrition, and food security. Tailoring nutrition education to the needs of grandparents could help both the health of grandparents and the reduction of child obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahel Mathews
- Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Danielle Nadorff
- Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA;
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Marr C, Breeze P, Caton SJ. A comparison between parent and grandparent dietary provision, feeding styles and feeding practices when caring for preschool-aged children. Appetite 2022; 168:105777. [PMID: 34715243 PMCID: PMC7612099 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2021.105777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Grandparents are frequently called upon to provide childcare to young children. Consequently, grandparents may influence the development of children's eating habits and preferences and may require support with their approach to feeding young children. However, research into grandparental feeding behaviours is scarce. Understanding how grandparental feeding behaviours compare to parental feeding behaviours will further help to establish whether grandparents require specific interventions unique to the grandparental role or if current strategies that target parental feeding behaviour are also appropriate for grandparents. The aim of the present study was to explore the similarities and differences between parent and grandparent dietary provision, feeding practices and feeding styles to preschool-aged children. 72 parents and 44 unrelated grandparents of children aged 2-4 years old took part in an online study and completed an online 24-h dietary recall using myfood24® to assess dietary provision. Parents and grandparents were providing meals high in saturated fat and sodium and providing below recommended amounts of fruit and vegetables. Overall, feeding practices were similar between parents and grandparents. Although, grandparents scored lower on using food as a reward (p < 0.05) and creating a healthy food environment (p < 0.05) compared to parents. Whereas, parents scored higher for promoting balance and variety (p < 0.05). A range of feeding styles were found within each caregiver type, with no significant associations found between caregiver type and feeding style (p > 0.05). Strategies to promote healthy eating in young children should be expanded to also target grandparents who act as informal caregivers to preschool-aged children. However, since very few differences in feeding behaviour were reported the content of such strategies may not need to be adapted specifically for grandparents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colette Marr
- Public Health, School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK.
| | - Penny Breeze
- Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK
| | - Samantha J Caton
- Public Health, School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK.
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Hossain S, Beydoun MA, Evans MK, Zonderman AB, Kuczmarski MF. Caregiver Status and Diet Quality in Community-Dwelling Adults. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13061803. [PMID: 34073304 PMCID: PMC8227086 DOI: 10.3390/nu13061803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: We investigated cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of diet quality with middle-aged caregiver status. Methods: Caregiving in the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study (57.7% women, 62% African American (AA)) was measured at waves 3 (2009–2013) and 4 (2013–2017) (mean follow-up time 4.1 years). Diet quality was assessed by the Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI-2010) derived from two separate 24 h diet recalls. Multivariable ordinary least square regression was performed for cross-sectional analyses of the association of wave 4 caregiving with wave 4 HEI-2010. Wave 3 caregiving was examined both cross-sectionally and with annual rate of change in HEI using mixed-effects linear regression Models. Multivariable models were adjusted for age, sex, and poverty status. Results: Cross-sectional analyses at wave 4 demonstrate an inverse association of frequent caregiving (“Daily or Weekly” vs. “Never”) for grandchildren with HEI-2010 total score (i.e., lower diet quality) among Whites (β = −2.83 ± 1.19, p = 0.03, Model 2) and AAs (β = −1.84 ± 0.79, p = 0.02,). The “cross-sectional” analysis pertaining to grandchildren caregiving frequency suggested that frequent caregiving (i.e., “Daily or Weekly” vs. “Never” (β = −2.90 ± 1.17, p = 0.04)) only among Whites was inversely related to HEI-2010 total score. Total HEI-2010 score was also related to caring (Model 1), for the elderly over “5 years vs. Never” among Whites (−7.31 ± 3.54, p = 0.04, Model 2). Longitudinally, we found slight potential improvement in diet quality over time (“Daily or Weekly” vs. Never by TIME interaction: +0.88 ± 0.38, p = 0.02) with frequent caregiving among Whites, but not so among AAs. Conclusions: Frequent caring for grandchildren had an inverse relationship with the diet quality of White and AA urban middle-aged caregivers, while caring for elderly was inversely linked to diet quality among Whites only. Longitudinal studies should address the paucity of research on caregivers’ nutritional quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharmin Hossain
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; (M.A.B.); (M.K.E.); (A.B.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-410-558-8545
| | - May A. Beydoun
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; (M.A.B.); (M.K.E.); (A.B.Z.)
| | - Michele K. Evans
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; (M.A.B.); (M.K.E.); (A.B.Z.)
| | - Alan B. Zonderman
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; (M.A.B.); (M.K.E.); (A.B.Z.)
| | - Marie F. Kuczmarski
- Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA;
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Marr C, Reale S, Breeze P, Caton SJ. Grandparental dietary provision, feeding practices and feeding styles when caring for preschool-aged grandchildren: A systematic mixed methods review. Obes Rev 2021; 22:e13157. [PMID: 33174344 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Grandparents are frequently relied upon to care for their preschool-aged grandchildren. These early years are a crucial age in the development of dietary habits and preferences. This review aims to determine grandparental dietary provision, feeding practices and feeding styles when caring for their preschool-aged grandchildren. Medline, PsycInfo and Web of Science were searched in January 2020. A systematic mixed methods approach was used to synthesize the qualitative (n = 13) and quantitative (n = 7) articles describing grandparents' feeding styles (n = 9), feeding practices (n = 14) and dietary provision (n = 18). Grandparents are serving large portion sizes and encouraging their grandchildren to eat frequently. Results are mixed for the types of foods provided; grandparents provide discretionary foods high in sugar and fat, and some also choose more expensive core foods as treats (e.g., berries). Grandparents engage in feeding practices that promote healthy eating (e.g., creating a healthy feeding environment) and promote autonomy and independence (e.g., considering their grandchild's preferences). However, they also use some coercive feeding practices (e.g., using food as a reward) and may be using indulgent feeding styles, which can be conducive to obesogenic dietary intakes. Interventions targeting grandparents could be an effective way to improve dietary-related health outcomes in young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colette Marr
- Public Health, School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Sophie Reale
- Allied Health Professions, College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Penny Breeze
- Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Samantha J Caton
- Public Health, School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Jongenelis MI, Morley B, Worrall C, Talati Z. Grandparents' perceptions of the barriers and strategies to providing their grandchildren with a healthy diet: A qualitative study. Appetite 2020; 159:105061. [PMID: 33271201 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2020.105061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Grandparents are playing an increasingly important role in shaping their grandchildren's nutritional environment. Evidence-based interventions tailored to grandparents thus constitute a potential means of promoting healthy eating among children. For such interventions to be effective, they must account for the unique issues encountered by grandparents. However, research examining the potential needs of grandparents is limited. The present study thus explored (i) grandparents' perceptions of the barriers to providing their grandchildren with healthy food and minimizing consumption of unhealthy food and (ii) the strategies grandparents believe help increase their grandchildren's consumption of healthy food and reduce intake of unhealthy food. Seventy-nine grandparents, each of whom provided care to at least one grandchild aged 3-12 years, participated in one of ten focus groups. Transcripts from each of the groups were imported into NVivo for qualitative coding and semantic thematic analysis. The food preferences of their grandchildren, the promotion of unhealthy food consumption by their grandchildren's parents, advertising of unhealthy food, and peer pressure were the most frequently cited barriers to healthy food consumption. Grandparents reported using multiple strategies to increase their grandchildren's fruit and vegetable consumption and minimize unhealthy food intake. The most common were disguising vegetables, making fruit and vegetables appealing, managing child eating (e.g., limiting access to unhealthy food), saying no to requests for unhealthy food, involving grandchildren in meal planning and cooking, and using rewards. Findings suggest that grandparents may need support with managing food preferences and navigating and negotiating complex relations with parents regarding child feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle I Jongenelis
- Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia; School of Psychology, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia, 6102, Australia.
| | - Belinda Morley
- Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, 615 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia.
| | - Caitlin Worrall
- School of Psychology, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia, 6102, Australia.
| | - Zenobia Talati
- School of Psychology, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia, 6102, Australia.
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