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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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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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Pang M, Wang J, Jiang X, Li H, Li S, Kong F. The Effects of Living Environment, Health Status of Family Members, and Migrant Elderly following Children’s Attitude about Care on Grandchildren’s Health Status in Weifang, China. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9091333. [PMID: 36138641 PMCID: PMC9497741 DOI: 10.3390/children9091333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
As urbanization is growing quickly in China, many migrant elderly following children (MEFC) migrate to big cities to care for their grandchildren (grandchildren of MEFC=GMEFC). This study aimed to explore the effects of the living environment, health statuses of family members, and MEFC’s attitude regarding the care of their children (children of MEFC=CMEFC) for their GMEFC on GMEFC’s health statuses in Weifang, China. Multistage cluster random sampling was used to select the participants, and 613 MEFC were included in total. Descriptive analysis, univariate analysis and binary logistic regression were used to investigate the association between the related variables and GMEFC’s health statuses. It was found that 74.9% of the GMEFC had excellent health statuses. The GMEFC who had siblings, the CMEFC with excellent health statuses, and the MEFC with excellent health statuses were more likely to have excellent health statuses. Moreover, the GMEFC who were female, elevators occasionally malfunctioned, the MEFC who were dissatisfied with the CMEFC’s time spent on caring, and the MEFC who did not understand or forgive the CMEFC’s limited time on caring were less likely to have GMEFC with excellent health statuses. The results indicated that a better living environment, better health statuses of family members, and a positive attitude of the MEFC regarding the care of CMEFC for GMEFC would result in a better health status of GMEFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingli Pang
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Jieru Wang
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xiaoxu Jiang
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Hexian Li
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Shixue Li
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Fanlei Kong
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Correspondence:
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Exploring parents' perspectives on feeding their young children: a qualitative study using photo-elicitation in Chile. Public Health Nutr 2022; 25:2415-2425. [PMID: 35190010 PMCID: PMC9991661 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980022000428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Childhood obesity is considered one of the most important public health problems around the world. Chile is currently one of the Latin American countries with a high prevalence of childhood obesity. Given that parents' food parenting practices shape their children's lifelong eating habits, addressing those practices is key to curbing later problems of obesity. However, studies of the influences on Chilean parents' food parenting practices are scarce. Hence, this study explores factors that influence food parenting practices of preschool-aged children in Chile. DESIGN Qualitative research, using interviews with the photo-elicitation technique. SETTING Metropolitan Region, Chile. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-five parents from families recruited from public childcare centres. RESULTS Through a thematic analysis with an inductive approach, we identified five themes that influence food parenting practices: (1) parents' previous experiences and how they determine their current goals and beliefs; (2) responses to the child's characteristics; (3) the influences of other family members, especially grandparents; (4) parents' nutritional knowledge; and (5) living contexts, especially limited budgets and lack of time. CONCLUSIONS The study reveals multilevel influences, which converge at the family level, on food parenting practices. A family-centrerd approach that addresses the mentioned influences is necessary to improve the management of the childhood obesity problem in Chile.
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Kwon HS, Kang SH, Park YS, Kang JG, Park EC. Association of Household Type and Fast-Food Consumption in Korean Adolescents. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14153024. [PMID: 35893878 PMCID: PMC9330106 DOI: 10.3390/nu14153024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Due to changing household types and weakening of family functions, children have fewer opportunities to develop healthy lifestyle patterns from contact with family members compared to the past. In this paper, we evaluate the association between household type and adolescents’ fast-food consumption, focusing on whether they were living with their parents or not, and determine their reasons for not living with their parents. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior web-based survey between 2017 and 2020. The subjects were students in grades 7–12. The outcome variable was a frequency of fast-food intake of ≥5 times per week. The main independent variable was the type of household: (1) living with both parents; (2) living with a single parent (one of father, mother, stepfather, stepmother); (3) not living together, but having parents; and (4) having no parents. Results: Participants without parents were more likely to eat fast food frequently than those living with both parents. Among boys, not having parents and living in a dorm or boarding house or living with other family members or relatives were significantly associated with frequent fast-food intake; among girls, not having parents and living in a dorm or boarding house were significantly associated with frequent fast-food intake. Conclusion: Adolescents having no parents have a higher risk of frequent fast-food intake than those living with both parents. Further studies are needed to address household types in greater detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwa Sook Kwon
- Department of Administration, CHA Ilsan Medical Center, Seoul 10414, Korea;
| | - Soo Hyun Kang
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea; (S.H.K.); (Y.S.P.)
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Yu Shin Park
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea; (S.H.K.); (Y.S.P.)
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | | | - Eun Cheol Park
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Correspondence:
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Obesity risk in 10-year-old children, based on attributes observed at 4 years of age, provides evidence on how to target interventions to lower obesity rates in mid-childhood. NUTR HOSP 2022; 39:738-744. [DOI: 10.20960/nh.03949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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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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Christofaro DGD, Tebar WR, Mota J, Fernandes RA, Scarabottolo CC, Saraiva BTC, Delfino LD, de Andrade SM. Gender Analyses of Brazilian Parental Eating and Activity With Their Adolescents' Eating Habits. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 52:503-511. [PMID: 31699617 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2019.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the associations between the eating habits of sons and daughters and the eating habits, sedentary behavior, and physical activity of their fathers and mothers. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey of adolescents. SETTING The 6 largest schools in Londrina, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS A total of 842 adolescents, 842 mothers, and 842 fathers participated in this study. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES Eating habits of adolescents and sedentary behavior, physical activity, and eating habits of their fathers and mothers, measured by questionnaire. ANALYSIS The associations were identified by binary logistic regression, adjusted by adolescent's age, family's socioeconomic status, parents' educational level, and the other parental behavior. RESULTS Independent of educational level and socioeconomic condition, mothers' eating behaviors seem to be more closely related to their adolescent children's eating behavior (vegetables, fruits, fried foods, soft drinks, and sweets [P = .001]) than fathers' behaviors (fried foods and sweets [P = .01], soft drinks [P = .001]). In addition, the behaviors of mothers were more associated to the behaviors of daughters than to the behaviors of sons (7 vs 5 associated behaviors), while behaviors of fathers were more associated with the behaviors of sons than to the behaviors of daughters (4 vs 2 associated behaviors). No associations were noted for sedentary and physical activity behavior and eating behaviors between adolescents and their parents. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Many eating habits of adolescents were associated with eating habits of both fathers and mothers, emphasizing the importance of family-focused health promotion actions. Future research is needed incorporating into the analyses, among others, the nutritional statuses and the clustering of healthy and unhealthy behaviors of parents and their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego G D Christofaro
- Department of Physical Education, School of Technology and Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Presidente Prudente, Brazil.
| | - William R Tebar
- Department of Physical Education, School of Technology and Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Presidente Prudente, Brazil
| | - Jorge Mota
- CIAFEL, Faculdade de Desporto, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rômulo A Fernandes
- Department of Physical Education, School of Technology and Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Presidente Prudente, Brazil
| | - Catarina C Scarabottolo
- Department of Physical Education, School of Technology and Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Presidente Prudente, Brazil
| | - Bruna T Ciccotti Saraiva
- Department of Physical Education, School of Technology and Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Presidente Prudente, Brazil
| | - Leandro D Delfino
- Department of Physical Education, School of Technology and Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Presidente Prudente, Brazil
| | - Selma M de Andrade
- Department of Public Health, Londrina State University, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
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Purwaningtyas RA, Barik AL, Astuti D. Obesity and Stunting in Childhood. Do Grandparents Play A Role? A Systematic Review. JURNAL NERS 2019. [DOI: 10.20473/jn.v14i3.16986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Obesity and stunting in childhood has become one of the greatest global health challenges. The impact of this issue is serious and lasting for individuals, their families, communities and countries. Most of the studies on child weight status have only focused on the mother as the primary caregiver, whereas the role and influence of the grandparents has received less attention. Grandparent-provided child care has become a trend in many countries, with reported rates of approximately 40% to 58%. The objective of this systematic review was to analyze whether children become stunted or obese when they are cared for by their grandparents.Methods: The methodological search of the literature was conducted using Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, Pro Quest and ResearchGate, and it was undertaken using PRISMA guidelines. The search identified 1803 papers and 135 full-text articles were screened for eligibility. Finally, 15 met the inclusion criteria. The keyword chain was as follows: ("obesity" OR "stunting") AND (“children”) AND (“grandparents”).Results: As grandparents take on increasingly responsible roles in the lives of their grandchildren, there is an influence on the higher risk of child obesity rather than stunting.Conclusion: In future, nurses should target not only the mother but also the grandparents to control their child’s health, especially when related to their weight status.
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Maternal Decisions on Portion Size and Portion Control Strategies for Snacks in Preschool Children. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11123009. [PMID: 31835341 PMCID: PMC6950145 DOI: 10.3390/nu11123009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Caregivers are responsible for the type and amount of food young children are served. However, it remains unclear what considerations caregivers make when serving snacks to children. The aim of the study was to explore mothers' decisions and portion control strategies during snack preparation in the home environment. Forty mothers of children aged 24-48 months participated in the study. Mothers prepared five snack foods for themselves and their child whilst verbalizing their actions and thoughts. Mothers were then asked about their portion size decisions in a semi-structured interview. Transcripts were imported into NVivo and analyzed thematically. Three key themes were identified: (1) portion size considerations, (2) portion control methods, and (3) awareness and use of portion size recommendations. Transient, food-related situational influences influenced mothers and disrupted planning and portion control. Food packaging and dishware size were used as visual cues for portion control; however, these vary widely in their size, thus emphasizing mothers' uncertainty regarding appropriate portion sizes. Mothers called for portion size information to be accessible, child-centered, and simple. These findings reveal multiple considerations when deciding on the correct snack portion sizes for children. These decisions are complex and vary across situations and time, and according to the types of snacks offered.
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Acceptability of early childhood obesity prediction models to New Zealand families. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225212. [PMID: 31790443 PMCID: PMC6886750 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE While prediction models can estimate an infant's risk of developing obesity at a later point in early childhood, caregiver receptiveness to such information is largely unknown. We aimed to assess the acceptability of these models to New Zealand caregivers. METHODS An anonymous questionnaire was distributed online. The questionnaire consisted of multiple choice and Likert scale questions. Respondents were parents, caregivers, and grandparents of children aged ≤5 years. RESULTS 1,934 questionnaires were analysed. Responses were received from caregivers of various ethnicities and levels of education. Nearly two-thirds (62.1%) of respondents would "definitely" or "probably" want to hear if their infant was at risk of early childhood obesity, although "worried" (77.0%) and "upset" (53.0%) were the most frequently anticipated responses to such information. With lower mean scores reflecting higher levels of acceptance, grandparents (mean score = 1.67) were more receptive than parents (2.10; p = 0.0002) and other caregivers (2.13; p = 0.021); males (1.83) were more receptive than females (2.11; p = 0.005); and Asian respondents (1.68) were more receptive than those of European (2.05; p = 0.003), Māori (2.11; p = 0.002), or Pacific (2.03; p = 0.042) ethnicities. There were no differences in acceptance according to socioeconomic status, levels of education, or other ethnicities. CONCLUSIONS Almost two-thirds of respondents were receptive to communication regarding their infant's risk of childhood obesity. While our results must be interpreted with some caution due to their hypothetical nature, findings suggest that if delivered in a sensitive manner to minimise caregiver distress, early childhood obesity risk prediction could be a useful tool to inform interventions to reduce childhood obesity in New Zealand.
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Treats are a tool of the trade: an exploration of food treats among grandparents who provide informal childcare. Public Health Nutr 2019; 22:2643-2652. [DOI: 10.1017/s1368980019000685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
AbstractObjective:Globally, grandparents are the main informal childcare providers with one-quarter of children aged ≤5 years regularly cared for by grandparents in Australia, the UK and USA. Research is conflicting; many studies claim grandparents provide excessive amounts of discretionary foods (e.g. high in fat/sugar/sodium) while others suggest grandparents can positively influence children’s diet behaviours. The present study aimed to explore the meaning and role of food treats among grandparents who provide regular informal care of young grandchildren.Design:Qualitative methodology utilising a grounded theory approach. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and focus groups, then thematically analysed.Setting:Participants were recruited through libraries, churches and playgroups in South Australia.Participants:Grandparents (n 12) caring for grandchild/ren aged 1–5 years for 10 h/week or more.Results:Three themes emerged: (i) the functional role of treats (e.g. to reward good behaviour); (ii) grandparent role, responsibility and identity (e.g. the belief that grandparent and parent roles differ); and (iii) the rules regarding food treats (e.g. negotiating differences between own and parental rules). Grandparents favoured core-food over discretionary-food treats. They considered the risks (e.g. dental caries) and rewards (e.g. pleasure) of food treats and balanced their wishes with those of their grandchildren and parents.Conclusions:Food treats play an important role in the grandparent–grandchild relationship and are used judiciously by grandparents to differentiate their identity and relationship from parents and other family members. This research offers an alternative narrative to the dominant discourse regarding grandparents spoiling grandchildren with excessive amounts of discretionary foods.
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Jongenelis MI, Talati Z, Morley B, Pratt IS. The role of grandparents as providers of food to their grandchildren. Appetite 2019; 134:78-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2018.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Rogers E, Bell L, Mehta K. Exploring the Role of Grandparents in the Feeding of Grandchildren Aged 1-5 Years. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2019; 51:300-306. [PMID: 30318273 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2018.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Early childhood is a crucial time for the development of eating behaviors and food preferences. With increased labor force participation by Australian mothers of young children, grandparents are acting as the main informal carers of grandchildren. Therefore, grandparents have the capacity to influence the feeding of young children and thus their eating behaviors. DESIGN Eleven semistructured qualitative interviews. SETTING Suburban Adelaide, South Australia. PARTICIPANTS Grandparents (n = 11; 9 grandmothers and 2 grandfathers). PHENOMENON OF INTEREST To gain insight into grandparental perspectives, beliefs, and opinions regarding the feeding of grandchildren aged 1-5 years. ANALYSIS Interviews were manually transcribed and coded, and codes were synthesized into common themes. RESULTS Four major themes emerged: (1) intergenerational differences (between grandparents and parents); (2) maintaining familial relationships; (3) treating grandchildren with food, and (4) nutritional efficacy. Grandparents thoughtfully managed familial relations, including intergenerational differences, in relation to feeding grandchildren. They showed some cognitive dissonance with regard to provision of treat foods (defined as discretionary foods) in which grandparents simultaneously prioritized healthy foods and treats. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Grandparents' social role in the complex psychosocial space of child feeding warrants serious recognition and deeper understanding to engage them fully as stakeholders in children's nutritional health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Rogers
- College of Nursing Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Lucinda Bell
- College of Nursing Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Kaye Mehta
- College of Nursing Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
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Lidgate ED, Li B, Lindenmeyer A. A qualitative insight into informal childcare and childhood obesity in children aged 0-5 years in the UK. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:1229. [PMID: 30400788 PMCID: PMC6219155 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-6131-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies in various countries have found that informal childcare (provided by relatives, friends etc.) was associated with an increased risk of obesity in children aged 0-5 years. However, no qualitative research has been done to explore possible reasons for such a relationship and potential interventions to tackle it. We conducted a qualitative study with both parents and informal carers to explore their 1) experiences in receiving or giving informal childcare for British children aged 0-5 years; 2) perceived explanations of the relationship between informal childcare and childhood obesity and 3) preferred intervention ideas and delivery strategies for preventing obesity among those children under informal care. METHODS Four in-depth focus groups with a total of 14 participants (7 parents, 7 informal caregivers) were conducted in Birmingham and Edinburgh (1 parent group and 1 informal caregiver group in each city). Data were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic approach. RESULTS The significance of informal care to parents, carers, and society was recognised (theme one). Informal carers were identified to have practical and emotional support roles for the parents (theme two). Informal care was perceived to contribute to childhood obesity in four ways (theme three): cross-generation conflict preventing adoption of healthy practices; the trade-off for parents between receiving childcare and maintaining control; reduced energy capacity of carers; and increased snacking. Potential intervention ideas and delivery strategies (theme four) were identified. Examples of identified ideas included providing carers with up-to-date weaning advice, and suggestions of healthy snacks and ways to increase physical activity level in informal care. The suggestion of utilising existing primary care platforms (e.g. health visitor check-ups) to reach and deliver low-cost information based interventions, to all children aged 0-5 years who receive informal care, was highlighted. CONCLUSIONS This exploratory qualitative study provided novel insights into potential explanations for the evidenced link between informal care and childhood obesity in children aged 0-5 years, despite a small size and limited participants in each focus group. Our findings support the idea of and inform the development towards an information based and low-cost intervention delivered through existing primary care platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Diana Lidgate
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands UK
| | - Bai Li
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands B15 2TT UK
| | - Antje Lindenmeyer
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands B15 2TT UK
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Chapman-Novakofski K. As Caregivers and a Vulnerable Group Themselves, Older Adults Need Us. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2018; 50:432. [PMID: 29751853 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2018.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
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