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Quirke-McFarlane S, Carstairs SA, Cecil JE. 'You just eyeball it': Parent and nursery staff perceptions and influences on child portion size: A reflexive thematic analysis. Nutr Health 2024:2601060241245255. [PMID: 38623628 DOI: 10.1177/02601060241245255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Background: Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health epidemics of the 21st century. Observational studies report that increases in portion size (PS) have occurred in parallel with levels of obesity. Increased PSs of high-energy-dense foods can promote overeating, and without compensatory behaviours, can contribute to childhood obesity. Caregivers make decisions about PSs for children in the home and nursery environment, thus are gatekeepers to child food intake. Understanding caregiver PS decisions can aid in the best practice of PS provision to young children. The aim of this study was to explore parent and nursery staff influences on child PS selection and their suggestions for useful tools/strategies in PS decisions. Methods: A qualitative design was employed using focus group discussions (FGDs) with parents and nursery staff of children aged 3-5 years. FGDs were employed given their ability to generate rich data, as well as permit the exploration of collective perceptions, attitudes, behaviours and experiences. Data were analysed using an inductive, semantic approach to reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Four FGDs were conducted: two with parents (n = 13), two with nursery staff (n = 17). Four overarching themes were derived: (i) awareness of PS guidelines; (ii) control over PS; (iii) social influences on children's eating behaviours; (iv) child-specific, social and external factors influencing parent and nursery staff PS decisions. Additionally, participants discussed tools/strategies they believe would be useful in PS decisions. Conclusion: Data from the themes suggest that caregiver control, social, child-specific and external factors are more influential than PS guidelines in both parent and nursery staff PS decisions for young children aged 3-5 years. These findings can inform future childhood obesity prevention initiatives focussed on improving parent and nursery staff provision/use of age-appropriate PSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Quirke-McFarlane
- Population and Behavioural Sciences, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Sharon A Carstairs
- Population and Behavioural Sciences, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Joanne E Cecil
- Population and Behavioural Sciences, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
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2
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Porter A, Langford R, Summerbell C, Tinner L, Kipping R. A qualitative exploration of food portion size practices and awareness of food portion size guidance in first-time parents of one- to two-year-olds living in the UK. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1779. [PMID: 37704981 PMCID: PMC10500748 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16647-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] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food portion size guidance resources aimed at parents of young children in the UK are freely available from a number of credible sources. However, little is known about whether parents are aware of, and use, any of these resources to guide their food portioning practices. OBJECTIVES We aimed to explore the food portion size practices used by first-time parents living in the UK when feeding their one- to two-year-old child, and their awareness of and views on six food portion size guidance resources. METHODS Participants were recruited via parent Facebook groups and online parent forums. Online 1-1 semi-structured interviews were conducted, during which parents were shown images of six food portion size guidance resources to facilitate discussion. Data was analysed in NVivo 11 using a Reflexive Thematic Analysis approach. RESULTS Of the 27 participants, most were women (n = 25), white (n = 18), and educated to first degree level or higher (n = 24). First-time parents mostly relied on their own judgement and "instinct" to portion foods, based on their learned experience of how much their child ate on a day-to-day basis. This experience was used alongside physical indicators of food portion size, such as the size of children's dishware and food packaging. Most participants were unaware of any of the six food portion size guidance resources we showed them; only four had read any of the resources. Parents suggested they had previously sought advice about weaning from a range of sources (e.g. online, friends, community groups) but would be unlikely to seek out specific food portion size guidance. Parents suggested recommendations on food portion size should acknowledge and highlight parents' perception that "every child is different". CONCLUSIONS Existing food portion size guidance resources for parents of young children in the UK are ineffective as they have poor reach and impact. We suggest parents should be involved in developing novel strategies to promote age-appropriate consumption and healthy weight gain in young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Porter
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
- School for Public Health Research, NIHR, London, UK.
| | - Rebecca Langford
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Carolyn Summerbell
- School for Public Health Research, NIHR, London, UK
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Laura Tinner
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Ruth Kipping
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- School for Public Health Research, NIHR, London, UK
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3
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Acolatse L, Pourshahidi LK, Logue C, McCann MT, Kerr MA. Child food portion sizes in the home environment: how do parents decide? Proc Nutr Soc 2023; 82:386-393. [PMID: 36866645 DOI: 10.1017/s0029665123000071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The consumption of larger portion sizes (PS) of food has been implicated in the increased prevalence of childhood obesity. The home is usually the first place children learn about food, however, little is known about how parents determine child PS in the home environment. This narrative review aimed to explore parental beliefs, decisions, strategies and barriers to the provision of appropriate food PS for children in the home environment. Results indicate that parental decisions on child food PS are based on the amounts they serve themselves, personal intuition and knowledge of child appetite. Owing to the habitual nature of food provision, parental decisions on child PS may be taken without conscious thought and/or could be part of a complex decision-making process influenced by several interlinked factors, including parental childhood mealtime experiences, other family members and child weight status. Strategies to determine child-appropriate PS include modelling the desired PS behaviour, use of unit-based food packaging and PS estimation aids, and providing the child with a degree of autonomy to rely on their own appetite cues. A lack of knowledge/awareness of PS guidance is a key barrier identified by parents to the provision of age-appropriate PS, warranting the inclusion of salient child-appropriate PS guidance within national dietary recommendations. Further home-based interventions to improve the provision of appropriate child PS are required, leveraged on parental strategies already in use, as outlined in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Acolatse
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - L Kirsty Pourshahidi
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Caomhan Logue
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Mary T McCann
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Maeve A Kerr
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
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Carman K, O'Neal LJ, Byrd-Bredbenner C, Olfert MD, Shelnutt KP. HomeStyles-2 for SNAP-Ed families with children in middle childhood: Cluster randomized trial protocol. Contemp Clin Trials 2022; 117:106771. [PMID: 35489646 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2022.106771] [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: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood obesity prevention efforts are needed in the United States, especially for families with low income. The purpose of this study is to determine whether HomeStyles-2, a nutrition education and childhood obesity prevention program for families with children in middle childhood (ages 6 to 11 years), motivates parents to re-shape their home environments and weight-related lifestyle practices to be more supportive of meeting national nutrition and physical activity recommendations and weight status of their children more so than those in the control condition. METHODS A research-practice partnership with Florida's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) program was formed to conduct a cluster randomized trial to evaluate the HomeStyles-2 intervention. SNAP-Ed-eligible individuals who are parents/caregivers of children aged 6-11 living in the study catchment area will be invited to enroll in the study and participate in a six-lesson series using the HomeStyles-2 program or an attention control program. The primary outcome measures related to parent weight-related behaviors will be assessed on the individual level. Linear mixed models with a hierarchical design will be used to assess outcomes of interest. DISCUSSION This study has the potential to demonstrate the effectiveness of a new curriculum implemented in a federal nutrition education program. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, adjustments were made to the intervention design to allow for virtual delivery of the intervention through SNAP-Ed. This unanticipated change will offer much-needed research on the effectiveness of virtual nutrition education, which may help to expand SNAP-Ed's reach across the country. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT05019339.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaley Carman
- Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida, 3028 McCarty Hall D, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States of America
| | - LaToya J O'Neal
- Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida, 3028 McCarty Hall D, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States of America
| | - Carol Byrd-Bredbenner
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Rutgers University, 211 Davison Hall, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States of America
| | - Melissa D Olfert
- Department of Human Nutrition and Foods, West Virginia University, 1194 Evansdale Drive G28, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States of America
| | - Karla P Shelnutt
- Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida, 3028 McCarty Hall D, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States of America.
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5
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Chia A, Chew MNJS, Tan SYX, Chan MJ, T Colega M, Toh JY, Natarajan P, Lança C, Shek LP, Saw SM, Müller-Riemenschneider F, Chong MFF. A Web-Based Time-Use Application to Assess Diet and Movement Behavior in Asian Schoolchildren: Development and Usability Study of My E-Diary for Activities and Lifestyle (MEDAL). J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e25794. [PMID: 34106084 PMCID: PMC8262598 DOI: 10.2196/25794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Web-based time-use diaries for schoolchildren are limited, and existing studies focus mostly on capturing physical activities and sedentary behaviors but less comprehensively on dietary behaviors. Objective This study aims to describe the development of My E-Diary for Activities and Lifestyle (MEDAL)—a self-administered, web-based time-use application to assess diet and movement behavior—and to evaluate its usability in schoolchildren in Singapore. Methods MEDAL was developed through formative research and an iterative user-centric design approach involving small groups of schoolchildren (ranging from n=5 to n=15, aged 7-13 years). To test the usability, children aged 10-11 years were recruited from 2 primary schools in Singapore to complete MEDAL for 2 weekdays and 2 weekend days and complete a 10-item usability questionnaire. Results The development process revealed that younger children (aged <9 years) were less able to complete MEDAL independently. Of the 204 participants (118/204, 57.8% boys, and 31/201, 15.4% overweight) in the usability study, 57.8% (118/204) completed 3 to 4 days of recording, whereas the rest recorded for 2 days or less. The median time taken to complete MEDAL was 14.2 minutes per day. The majority of participants agreed that instructions were clear (193/203, 95.1%), that MEDAL was easy to use (173/203, 85.2%), that they liked the application (172/202, 85.1%), and that they preferred recording their activities on the web than on paper (167/202, 82.7%). Among all the factors evaluated, recording for 4 days was the least satisfactory component reported. Compared with boys, girls reported better recall ability and agreed that the time spent on completing 1-day entry was appropriate. Conclusions MEDAL appears to be a feasible application to capture diet and movement behaviors in children aged 10-12 years, particularly in the Asian context. Some gender differences in usability performance were observed, but the majority of the participants had a positive experience using MEDAL. The validation of the data collected through the application is in progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Airu Chia
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Muhammad Naeem Jia Sheng Chew
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sarah Yi Xuan Tan
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mei Jun Chan
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Marjorelee T Colega
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jia Ying Toh
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Padmapriya Natarajan
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Carla Lança
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lynette P Shek
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Seang-Mei Saw
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Falk Müller-Riemenschneider
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mary Foong-Fong Chong
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
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6
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Cox JS, Hinton EC, Sauchelli S, Hamilton-Shield JP, Lawrence NS, Brunstrom JM. When do children learn how to select a portion size? Appetite 2021; 164:105247. [PMID: 33819526 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2021.105247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The reduction of portion sizes supports weight-loss. This study looks at whether children have a conceptual understanding of portion size, by studying their ability to manually serve a portion size that corresponds to what they eat. In a clinical setting, discussion around portion size is subjective thus a computerised portion size tool is also trialled, with the portion sizes chosen on the screen being compared to amounts served manually. Children (n = 76) age 5-6, 7-8 and 10-11 were asked to rate their hunger (VAS scale), liking (VAS scale) and 'ideal portion size for lunch' of eight interactive meal images using a computerised portion size tool. Children then manually self-served and consumed a portion of pasta. Plates were weighed to allow for the calculation of calories served and eaten. A positive correlation was found between manually served food portions and the amount eaten (r = 0.53, 95%CI [0.34, 0.82, P < .001), indicating that many children were able to anticipate their likely food intake prior to meal onset. A regression model demonstrates that age contributes to 9.4% of the variance in portion size accuracy (t(68) = -2.3, p = .02). There was no relationship between portion size and either hunger or liking. The portion sizes chosen on the computer at lunchtime correlated to the amount manually served overall (r = .34, 95%CI [0.07, 0.55], p < .01), but not in 5-6-year-old children. Manual portion-size selection can be observed in five-year olds and from age seven, children's 'virtual' responses correlate with their manual portion selections. The application of the computerised portion-size tool requires further development but offers considerable potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer S Cox
- National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre Nutrition Theme, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TU, UK
| | - Elanor C Hinton
- National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre Nutrition Theme, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TU, UK.
| | - Sarah Sauchelli
- National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre Nutrition Theme, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TU, UK
| | - Julian P Hamilton-Shield
- National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre Nutrition Theme, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TU, UK
| | - Natalia S Lawrence
- Department of Psychology, Washington Singer Laboratories, Perry Road, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4QG, UK
| | - Jeffrey M Brunstrom
- Nutrition and Behaviour Unit, School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, 12a Priory Road, Bristol BS8 1TU, UK
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7
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Ziser K, Decker S, Stuber F, Herschbach A, Giel KE, Zipfel S, Ehehalt S, Junne F. Barriers to Behavior Change in Parents With Overweight or Obese Children: A Qualitative Interview Study. Front Psychol 2021; 12:631678. [PMID: 33841261 PMCID: PMC8034266 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.631678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Overweight and obesity among children and adolescents are global problems of our time. Due to their authority and role modeling, parents play an essential part in the efficacy of prevention and intervention programs. This study assessed the barriers that parents of overweight/obese children face in preventive and interventional health care utilization. Sixteen parents were qualitatively interviewed. A content analysis was performed, and barriers to change were allocated to their stage of change according to the transtheoretical model. Among the main barriers is the underestimation of health risks caused by overweight/obesity in association with diminished problem awareness. Parents seem not necessarily in need of theoretical knowledge for prevention and interventions. They do however need support in evaluating the weight status of their child and the knowledge of whom to turn to for help as well as specific and hands-on possibilities for change. The results extend past studies by adding specific barriers to change that parents commonly experience. Possibilities to address these barriers, e.g., through trainings at the pediatric practice or adoption of conversation techniques, are discussed. Future studies might identify subgroups experiencing specific barriers and thus be able to address these in an individualized way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Ziser
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Decker
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Felicitas Stuber
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Anne Herschbach
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Katrin Elisabeth Giel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Stephan Zipfel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Ehehalt
- Public Health Department of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Florian Junne
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
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8
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Eck KM, Delaney CL, Shelnutt KP, Olfert MD, Byrd-Bredbenner C. Parenting Advice School-Age Kids Offer to Parents to Promote Healthier Child Weight-Related Behaviors. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 52:290-298. [PMID: 31607432 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2019.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore parenting advice children would provide to help parents encourage positive health-related behaviors by children. DESIGN Focus group discussions were conducted, and children shared the advice they would provide parents to help them encourage healthy weight-related behaviors (ie, diet, physical activity, and sleep) for children. SETTING Focus groups (n = 65) were conducted in 3 states (Florida, New Jersey, and West Virginia). PARTICIPANTS School-age children (n = 194) between the ages of 6 and 11 years old. PHENOMENON OF INTEREST What parenting practices are recommended by children, and are they in line with best-practice guidelines? ANALYSIS Focus group data were analyzed to identify themes and trends. RESULTS Children's recommendations were congruent with authoritative parenting styles (ie, high levels of warmth and control). Most of the advice shared by children aligned with recommended parent practices (ie, responsive feeding, facilitation, environmental restructuring, parent modeling, and encouragement). However, not all of the children's advice aligned with best practices guidelines (ie, use of food rewards and deception). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Future nutrition education programs may be strengthened by helping parents adopt best practices for promoting healthy child behaviors. Furthermore, teaching children about recommended child feeding parenting practices may help protect future generations by preparing children to care for younger siblings or raise their children using best parenting practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn M Eck
- Nutritional Sciences Department, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ.
| | - Colleen L Delaney
- Nutritional Sciences Department, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Karla P Shelnutt
- Department of Family, Youth, and Community Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Melissa D Olfert
- Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
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9
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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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10
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Blundell-Birtill P, Hetherington MM. Determinants of Portion Size in Children and Adolescents: Insights from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey Rolling Programme (2008-2016). Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11122957. [PMID: 31817139 PMCID: PMC6950001 DOI: 10.3390/nu11122957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Large portion sizes have been identified as contributing to overweight and obesity, particularly in children and adolescents. This study examined predictors of portion sizes of high energy snack foods eaten by children aged 1.5–18 years. Specifically, we examined whether portion sizes were adjusted for age, and what external features of the environment might be linked to large portion sizes. Portion sizes were derived from four-day food diaries that form the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey. Diaries from 5942 children were examined and multilevel models were used to discover whether age, gender, location, time of day, household income, and watching TV while eating predicted portion sizes of savoury snacks, chocolate, confectionery and biscuits. Portion sizes of all the target foods were predicted by age. Boys had larger portions, and portion sizes were larger when target foods were consumed later in the day. Portion sizes were larger outside the home, for example in leisure venues, but the target foods were eaten more frequently in the home. As dietary patterns change to include more snack intake outside the home, these locations could be an important space to target for interventions for portion control.
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11
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Ferrar J, Ferriday D, Smit HJ, McCaig DC, Rogers PJ. Identifying Barriers to Reducing Portion Size: A Qualitative Focus Group Study of British Men and Women. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11051054. [PMID: 31083447 PMCID: PMC6567109 DOI: 10.3390/nu11051054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Reducing portion size might reduce meal satisfaction, which could minimize adherence to portion size interventions. The present study sought to identify the perceived barriers for consumers to eat smaller portions. A secondary aim explored the relative contribution of enjoyment of taste and post-meal fullness as determinants of meal satisfaction. Focus groups (N = 42) evaluated consumers' feelings toward a small reduction in portion size. Thematic analysis of written free association tasks and open-ended group discussions revealed that most participants expected to feel hungry and unsatisfied, which motivated them to consume something else. However, others expected to feel comfortable, healthy, and virtuous. The acceptability of the reduced portion was also determined by meal characteristics (e.g., time and setting) and individual characteristics (e.g., predicted energy requirements). Compared to post-meal fullness, enjoyment of taste was perceived to be the more important determinant of meal satisfaction. In conclusion, interventions should present portion reduction as a marginal modification with little physiological consequence to energy reserves, while emphasizing the positive feelings (e.g., comfort, satisfaction, and self-worth) experienced after consuming a smaller portion. Additionally, focusing on taste enjoyment (rather than fullness) might be a useful strategy to maintain meal satisfaction despite a reduction in meal size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Ferrar
- Nutrition and Behaviour Unit, School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, 12a Priory Road, Bristol BS8 1TU, UK.
| | - Danielle Ferriday
- Nutrition and Behaviour Unit, School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, 12a Priory Road, Bristol BS8 1TU, UK.
| | - Hendrik J Smit
- Nutrition and Behaviour Unit, School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, 12a Priory Road, Bristol BS8 1TU, UK.
| | - Duncan C McCaig
- Nutrition and Behaviour Unit, School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, 12a Priory Road, Bristol BS8 1TU, UK.
| | - Peter J Rogers
- Nutrition and Behaviour Unit, School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, 12a Priory Road, Bristol BS8 1TU, UK.
- National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, University of Bristol, Bristol BS2 8AE, UK.
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12
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Eck KM, Delaney CL, Olfert MD, Shelnutt KP, Byrd-Bredbenner C. "If my family is happy, then I am happy": Quality-of-life determinants of parents of school-age children. SAGE Open Med 2019; 7:2050312119828535. [PMID: 30746145 PMCID: PMC6360638 DOI: 10.1177/2050312119828535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Obesity is a public health concern for children and adults and effective obesity prevention programming is needed urgently. The effectiveness of health-related messaging and interventions is influenced by the way content is framed. HomeStyles is an obesity prevention program, which aims to promote health through the frame of improved quality of life. METHODS Thus, focus groups were conducted with English- and Spanish-speaking parents of school-aged children (ages 6-11) to identify key quality-of-life determinants as described by parents. RESULTS Parents (n = 158) reported that their quality of life was influenced by family happiness and parent and child health (e.g. adequate sleep, exercise, healthy diet). Many parents expressed that their busy schedules and lack of family time were detrimental to their quality of life. Work-life balance and financial stability were other factors commonly noted to impact quality of life. Spanish-speaking parents also reported being undocumented and feeling a lack of a sense of community negatively influenced their quality of life. CONCLUSION Considering parent-defined quality-of-life determinants when framing health-related messaging and developing interventions may increase participant interest and ultimately improve health-related behaviors. Next steps in the HomeStyles project include using parent-reported quality-of-life determinants to guide the development of intervention materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn M Eck
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Colleen L Delaney
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Melissa D Olfert
- Department of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Karla P Shelnutt
- Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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McCrickerd K. Cultivating self-regulatory eating behaviours during childhood: The evidence and opportunities. NUTR BULL 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/nbu.12355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- K. McCrickerd
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC); Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS); Agency of Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR); Singapore
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