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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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Killion K, Harris JL, Duffy VB. Caregiver perceptions of snacks for young children: A thematic synthesis of qualitative research. Appetite 2023:106628. [PMID: 37328005 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.106628] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Snacks are inconsistently defined in nutrition research and dietary guidelines for young children, challenging efforts to improve diet quality. Although some guidelines suggest that snacks include at least two food groups and fit into an overall health promoting dietary pattern, snacks high in added sugars and sodium are highly marketed and frequently consumed. Understanding how caregivers perceive "snacks" for young children may aid in development of effective nutrition communications and behaviourally-informed dietary interventions for obesity prevention. We aimed to synthesize caregivers' perceptions of snacks for young children across qualitative studies. Four databases were searched for peer-reviewed qualitative articles including caregiver perceptions of "snacks" for children ≤5 years. We conducted thematic synthesis of study findings, concluding with the development of analytical themes. Data synthesis of fifteen articles from ten studies, conducted in the U.S., Europe, and Australia, revealed six analytical themes that captured food type, hedonic value, purpose, location, portion size, and time. Caregivers perceived snacks as both "healthy" and "unhealthy" foods. Less healthy snacks were described as highly liked foods, which required restriction and were consumed outside the home. Caregivers used snacks to manage behavior and curb hunger. Snack portions were described as "small", although caregivers reported various methods to estimate child portion size. Caregivers' perceptions of snacks revealed opportunities for targeted nutrition messaging, especially supporting responsive feeding and nutrient-dense food choices. In high-income countries, expert recommendations should consider caregivers' perceptions of snacks, more clearly defining nutrient-dense snacks that are enjoyable, achieve dietary requirements, reduce hunger, and promote healthy weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Killion
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, 358 Mansfield Road, Storrs, CT 06269-2101, USA.
| | - Jennifer L Harris
- Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health, University of Connecticut, 1 Constitution Plaza, Suite 600, Hartford, CT 06103, USA.
| | - Valerie B Duffy
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, 358 Mansfield Road, Box U-101 Storrs, CT 06269-2101, USA.
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Attala A, Smith J, Lake AA, Giles E. Investigating 'treat culture' in a secure care service: a study of inpatient NHS staff on their views and opinions on weight gain and treat giving for patients in a forensic secure care service. J Hum Nutr Diet 2022; 36:729-741. [PMID: 36522842 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.13129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is a significant health inequality within forensic secure care mental health/learning disability inpatient settings. Patients may be at increased risk of developing preventable long-term conditions/premature death. This study investigated staff views on patient weight gain, how it affects patients and how to better manage patient weight in this setting. Furthermore, the research explored the culture of food being used as a 'treat' and the perceived impact of 'treats' on weight. METHODS A two-phase mixed methods approach was taken to explore staff views on patient weight gain and the 'treat' culture on adult forensic secure care inpatient wards in one NHS Mental Health Trust in the north-east of England. Phase one was an online survey, and phase two consisted of semi-structured qualitative interviews. The quantitative survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Thematic analysis was used for the open-ended survey questions and interview data. RESULTS The survey had 49 responses out of a possible 380 (13%). Ninety-two per cent of staff participants viewed patient weight gain as an area for concern, citing a range of reasons for weight gain. Weight gain was considered a risk to developing long-term health conditions and poor mental health. Nine participants were interviewed. Six themes were identified suggesting why patients might gain weight in forensic secure care, for example, patient history, staff behaviours, the surrounding 'treat' culture in this environment, along with suggestions of what could be improved to manage patient weight. CONCLUSIONS People detained in forensic secure care may be more at risk of weight gain due to their history, the secure care environment and the 'treat' culture adopted in these environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Attala
- Dietetics Department, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jo Smith
- The Research and Development Team, Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, Middlesbrough, UK
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Amelia A Lake
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
- Fuse, The Centre for Translational Research in Public Health, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Emma Giles
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
- Fuse, The Centre for Translational Research in Public Health, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Lu KC, Dahl ZT, Weyant RJ, McNeil DW, Foxman B, Marazita ML, Burgette JM. Exploring Mothers' Perspectives About Why Grandparents in Appalachia Give Their Grandchildren Cariogenic Foods and Beverages: A Qualitative Study. J Acad Nutr Diet 2022; 122:2288-2294. [PMID: 35395420 PMCID: PMC9532469 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dental caries is the most common chronic childhood disease. Past studies revealed that grandparents provide their grandchildren with cariogenic foods and beverages (eg, those with free sugars and/or modified starches). Qualitative research can help identify what drives this phenomenon. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to examine mothers' explanations for why grandparents in north central and central Appalachia give their grandchildren cariogenic foods and beverages. DESIGN A qualitative study on children's oral health in Pennsylvania and West Virginia from 2018 through 2020 was performed. In-person, semi-structured interviews were conducted. Qualitative data from interviews were recorded, transcribed, and then coded using NVivo. Data analysis for this study was performed using thematic analysis with iterative theme development. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING The participants were 126 mothers of children aged 3-5 years from West Virginia (n = 66) and Pittsburgh, PA (n = 60). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Mothers' perspectives about why grandparents give their grandchildren cariogenic foods and beverages were analyzed. RESULTS In the study sample, 85% of mothers (n = 107/126) named at least 1 of their children's grandparents as a member of their social network responsible for their children's oral health. From these interviews, 85% of mothers (n = 91/107) discussed that grandparents gave their grandchildren cariogenic foods and beverages. The mothers described the following 4 themes to explain why grandparents gave their grandchildren cariogenic foods and beverages: privilege of the grandparent role; responsibilities of the grandparent role; symbol of care and affection; and limited consideration or understanding of the detrimental impact. CONCLUSIONS Grandparents play a role in giving their grandchildren cariogenic foods and beverages, which could potentially contribute to childhood caries. Research is needed to develop effective social interventions to help some grandparents understand the implications of a cariogenic diet on their grandchildren's oral health and/or decrease their provision of cariogenic foods and beverages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin C Lu
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Zelda T Dahl
- Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics, Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert J Weyant
- Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Department of Dental Public Health, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Daniel W McNeil
- Department of Psychology, Eberly College of Arts & Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia; Department of Dental Public Health and Professional Practice, School of Dentistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia; Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia, Department of Dental Public Health and Professional Practice, School of Dentistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Betsy Foxman
- Center for Molecular and Clinical Epidemiology of Infectious Disease, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Mary L Marazita
- Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Department of Human Genetics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Clinical and Translational Science, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jacqueline M Burgette
- Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Departments of Dental Public Health and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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Chambers SA, Dobbie F, Radley A, Rowa-Dewar N. Grandmothers' care practices in areas of high deprivation of Scotland: the potential for health promotion. Health Promot Int 2022; 37:daab104. [PMID: 34293129 PMCID: PMC9067444 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daab104] [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] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In many families grandparents play an essential role by providing secondary care for grandchildren. The family is a key setting for promoting children's health; however, studies describing health initiatives with grandparents are rare. Grandparents could play an important role in promoting health for their grandchildren within their families and communities. The aim of this study was to examine the care practices of grandparents in families living in areas of high deprivation, and to consider the extent to which grandparents could be at the centre of health-promoting initiatives for children. A family practices approach was used to examine care practices within the framework of family resource (assets/capitals) use. In-depth interviews were carried out with grandmothers (n = 15) and mothers (n = 15) living in areas of high deprivation in Scotland. The results are presented as three economies of family living-political, moral and emotional. Grandparent care was described as a form of social capital, central to the wellbeing of the families, and enabled parents to access education and employment. Grandparent care was supported through families' ability to access cultural amenities and green space (political). Grandparents' care practices were described as either being responsible or fun (moral). Love appeared to be at the centre of grandparents' care (emotional). The strengths and weaknesses of this framework were examined in relation to developing initiatives with grandparents. With further development work, grandparents could be the focus of health initiatives with their grandchildren with the support of appropriate policies and resources within their communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A Chambers
- School of Social and Political Sciences, Adam Smith Building, 28 Bute Gardens, Glasgow G12 8RS, UK
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow G3 7H3, UK
| | - Fiona Dobbie
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK
| | - Andrew Radley
- Directorate of Public Health, NHS Tayside, Dundee DD1 9AG, UK
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Children’s Participation in Free School Meals: A Qualitative Study among Pupils, Parents, and Teachers. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14061282. [PMID: 35334940 PMCID: PMC8949967 DOI: 10.3390/nu14061282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
School meals can have a key function in promoting children’s health. However, simply providing a free school meal is not a guarantee that pupils will eat the food. The purpose of this study was to explore factors influencing pupils’ participation in free school meal schemes in Oslo. The study has a qualitative research design, inspired by grounded theory. Data were collected through interviews with pupils, teachers, and parents, and participant observations in two schools participating in a pilot project funded by Oslo Municipality. Line-by-line coding, memo writing, and a constant comparative technique were used to analyze the data. One primary school and one lower-secondary school in different districts in Oslo that were implementing two different free school meal models took part in the study. In total, 39 pupils (5th–10th grade), 15 parents, and 12 school employees were included. Four main factors related to pupils’ participation in free school meals emerged from the analysis: the popularity of the food served, the attraction to the nearby shopping center, social aspects, and predictability. To promote pupils’ participation in free school meal schemes, schools need to solve the challenges of balancing between healthy food and popular but often unhealthy food. To implement school meals further, children and parents’ involvement, regularity of the meals provision, a good flow of information, and the creation of a friendly eating environment are recommended.
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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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Pires BT, Pedrotti D, Silva CMD, Ferreira FM, Cançado MF, Lenzi TL. Can be Grandmother as Child’s Daytime Caregiver a Risk Factor for Higher Caries Experience in Early Childhood? A Retrospective Study. PESQUISA BRASILEIRA EM ODONTOPEDIATRIA E CLÍNICA INTEGRADA 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/pboci.2020.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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