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Scott AG, Johnson BJ, Hunter SC. Exploring the influence of context on social norms around Australian parents' food provision using story completion. Public Health Nutr 2024; 27:e110. [PMID: 38576146 PMCID: PMC11036444 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980024000806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the differences in social norms around parents' food provision in different provision contexts and by demographics. DESIGN Qualitative study using story completion methodology via an online survey in September 2021. Adults 18+ with or without children were randomised to one of three story stems focusing on food provision in different contexts; food provision at home (non-visitor), with visitors present and with the involvement of sport. Stories were coded and themed using thematic analysis. A content analysis was performed to determine count and frequency of codes in stories by participant demographics and story assumptions. SETTING Australia. PARTICIPANTS Adults (n 196). RESULTS Nine themes were identified from the data resulting in four social norms around providing healthy foods and justifying non-adherence to healthy eating guidelines, evolution of family life and mealtime values, the presence of others influencing how we engage with food provision and unhealthy foods used as incentives/rewards in sport. Following content analysis, no differences of themes or norms by participant demographics or story assumptions were found. CONCLUSIONS We identified pervasive social norms around family food provision and further identified how contextual factors resulted in variations or distinct norms. This highlights the impact context may have on the social norms parents face when providing food to their children and the opportunities and risks of leveraging these social norms to influence food choice in these contexts. Public health interventions and practitioners should understand the influence of context and social environments when promoting behaviour change and providing individualised advice. Future research could explore parents' experiences of these norms and to what extent they impact food choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia G Scott
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Tarntanya, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA5001, Australia
| | - Brittany J Johnson
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Tarntanya, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA5001, Australia
| | - Sarah C Hunter
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Tarntanya, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA5001, Australia
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Jones E, Burton AE. Exploring Vegan Mothers' Experiences of Making Food Choices for Infants and Young Children. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2023; 55:624-633. [PMID: 37542483 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our study aimed to explore vegan mothers' experiences and decision-making processes when feeding their children (up to 3 years old). METHODS We conducted a qualitative photo-elicitation interview study in the United Kingdom. Eight vegan mothers provided 5 photographs of food choices they had made for their children and completed online photo-elicitation interviews to discuss these images. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Five themes were developed: role modeling eating behavior, shared decision-making, nutritional guidance for vegan parents, fear of judgment for being vegan, and desire for convenience. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Findings illustrate the complexity of the decision-making process and highlight the need for targeted resources for vegan parents. There is a need for awareness raising and training for health care professionals and the development of vegan-specific child-feeding resources to facilitate the provision of evidence-based nutritional guidance for vegan parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Jones
- Centre for Psychological Research, School of Health, Science and Wellbeing, Staffordshire University, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Amy E Burton
- Centre for Psychological Research, School of Health, Science and Wellbeing, Staffordshire University, Staffordshire, United Kingdom.
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Lalchandani NK, Poirier B, Crabb S, Miller C, Hume C. School lunchboxes as an opportunity for health and environmental considerations: a scoping review. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:daac201. [PMID: 36715703 PMCID: PMC9885980 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daac201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Very little research has focussed on children's school lunchboxes from both a health and environment standpoint. This scoping review explores studies that considered children's lunchbox food consumption trends at school and the environmental impacts of lunchbox contents. We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed literature with a focus on lunchboxes of children in preschool or primary school settings that contained food packed from home, through the lens of food and nutrition in combination with environmental outcomes-particularly food and/or packaging waste. The review included 10 studies, with articles from Australia, USA, Spain, New Zealand and the UK. Half of them were intervention studies aiming to shift knowledge levels and attitudes of teachers, parents and children with regard to reducing packaged food choices and food waste, and improving dietary habits. Acknowledging the complexity of lunchbox packing and consumption practices, this review recommends the consideration of socio-ecological influences on children's health and sustainability behaviour, and mobilizing their pro-environmental agency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brianna Poirier
- Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health, Adelaide Dental School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Shona Crabb
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Caroline Miller
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia
- Health Policy Centre, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Clare Hume
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia
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Scott AG, Hunter SC, Johnson BJ. Exploring the social norms regarding parents' food provision in Australia using story completion methodology. Appetite 2022; 178:106165. [PMID: 35839939 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Children's diets are not aligned with dietary guidelines, with the social context including social norms being one factor influencing parents' food provision. Little is known about social norms in broad society that parents face when providing food to children. We aimed to determine the social norms surrounding family food provision from the perspectives of Australian adults. This qualitative study used story completion methodology via an online survey to gather hypothetical stories from adults (≥18 years). Participants were presented with a story stem focusing on home food provision. Stories (i.e. data) were coded and analysed using thematic analysis. Five themes were identified from the data (N = 75); 1. Providing a healthy snack, 2. Providing justification for the provision of unhealthy convenience foods, 3. Increasing child autonomy in food provision, 4. Mealtimes are a social occasion, and 5. Contextual factors influencing food provision and social norms. From these themes, social norms were identified around providing healthy foods and justifying non-adherence to healthy eating guidelines and evolution of family life and mealtime values. This study provides new knowledge that there are social norms around parents providing healthy foods and needing to justify non-adherence to healthy eating guidelines, as well as the norm that family life and mealtime values are evolving. This highlights the need to consider the broader context that influences food choices. Furthermore, this study highlights the utility of novel methods in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia G Scott
- Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia; College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sarah C Hunter
- Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia; College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Brittany J Johnson
- Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia; College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
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McCann J, Woods J, Mohebbi M, Russell CG. Regulated nutrition claims increase perceived healthiness of an ultra-processed, discretionary toddler snack food and ultra-processed toddler milks: A discrete choice experiment. Appetite 2022; 174:106044. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Mauch CE, Wycherley TP, Bell LK, Laws RA, Byrne R, Golley RK. Parental work hours and household income as determinants of unhealthy food and beverage intake in young Australian children. Public Health Nutr 2022; 25:1-29. [PMID: 35135652 PMCID: PMC9991677 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980022000349] [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: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined parental work hours and household income as determinants of discretionary (energy dense, nutrient poor) food and beverage intake in young children, including differences by eating occasion. DESIGN Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data. Three hierarchical regression models were conducted with percent energy from discretionary food and beverages across the day, at main meals, and at snack times being the outcomes. Dietary intake was assessed by 1x24-hour recall and 1-2x24-hour food record(s). Both maternal/paternal work hours were included, and total household income. Covariates included household, parent and child factors. SETTING Data from the NOURISH/SAIDI studies were collected between 2008-13. PARTICIPANTS Participants included 526 mother-child dyads (median(IQR) child age 1.99(1.96,2.03) years). Forty-one percent of mothers did not work while 57% of fathers worked 35-40 hours/week. Most (85%) households had an income of ≥$50k AUD/year. RESULTS Household income was consistently inversely associated with discretionary energy intake (β= -0.12 to -0.15). Maternal part-time employment (21-35 hours/week) predicted child consumption of discretionary energy at main meals (β=0.10, p=0.04). Paternal unemployment predicted a lower proportion of discretionary energy at snacks (β= -0.09, p=0.047). CONCLUSIONS This work suggests that household income should be addressed as a key opportunity-related barrier to healthy food provision in families of young children. Strategies to reduce the time burden of healthy main meal provision may be required in families where mothers juggle longer part-time working hours with caregiving and domestic duties. The need to consider the role of fathers and other parents/caregivers in shaping children's intake was also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea E Mauch
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Level 7, SAHMRI building, North Terrace, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA5000, Australia
- Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood Centre of Research Excellence, Sydney, Australia
| | - Thomas P Wycherley
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lucinda K Bell
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Level 7, SAHMRI building, North Terrace, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA5000, Australia
| | - Rachel A Laws
- Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood Centre of Research Excellence, Sydney, Australia
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Science, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rebecca Byrne
- Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood Centre of Research Excellence, Sydney, Australia
- Queensland University of Technology, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Centre for Children’s Health Research, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rebecca K Golley
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Level 7, SAHMRI building, North Terrace, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA5000, Australia
- Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood Centre of Research Excellence, Sydney, Australia
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Johnson BJ, Zarnowiecki D, Hutchinson CL, Golley RK. Stakeholder Generated Ideas for Alternative School Food Provision Models in Australia Using the Nominal Group Technique. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E7935. [PMID: 33138030 PMCID: PMC7663195 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17217935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Good nutrition is important for children's learning, growth, and development, yet food intake during school hours does not align with recommendations. In Australia, most school children currently bring a packed lunch from home, but what if there was a different way? This project aimed to engage a diverse range of stakeholders to (1) generate, refine and prioritize ideas for novel models of food provision to Australian children within school hours, and (2) to determine and rank the potential barriers and facilitators to changing the school food provision system. This study used nominal group technique virtual workshops-three idea generation workshops (n = 21 participants) and one consensus workshop (n = 11 participants). School lunch prepared onsite was the top ranked food provision model option based on impact and achievability. Potential barriers (n = 26) and facilitators (n = 28) to changing the school food system were generated. The top ranked barrier and facilitator related to government support. This study highlights that there is an opportunity to explore partnerships and utilize existing skills and infrastructure to introduce a universal school-provided lunch model in Australia. The next steps should focus on building the business case capturing the social value of investing in school lunches, including considering parent-paid and subsidized options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany J. Johnson
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park 5042, Australia; (D.Z.); (C.L.H.); (R.K.G.)
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