Evaluation of Parental Acceptability and Use of Intervention Components to Reduce Pre-School Children’s Intake of Sugar-Rich Food and Drinks

Bodil Just Christensen, Sidse Marie Sidenius Bestle, Ellen Trolle, Anja Pia Biltoft-Jensen, Jeppe Matthiessen, Sarah Jegsmark Gibbons and Anne Dahl Lassen
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Bodil Just Christensen: National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 201, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
Sidse Marie Sidenius Bestle: National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 201, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
Ellen Trolle: National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 201, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
Anja Pia Biltoft-Jensen: National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 201, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
Jeppe Matthiessen: National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 201, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
Sarah Jegsmark Gibbons: National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 201, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
Anne Dahl Lassen: National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 201, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 13, 1-23

Abstract: Knowledge is needed about effective tools that reach public health objectives focused on reducing the intake of sugar-rich foods and drinks. The purpose of this study was to assess the parental acceptability, use and motivational potential of intervention components developed in the randomized family-based trial ‘Are you too sweet?’ aimed at reducing the intake of sugar-rich foods and drinks among children (5–7 y). Intervention components included guidance on sugar-rich foods and drinks at a school health nurse consultation, a box with home-use materials and a digital platform. The methods used were a questionnaire among intervention families ( n = 83) and semi-structured interviews with parents in selected intervention families ( n = 24). Results showed the good acceptability and usefulness of the components, with reported frequencies of use of materials ranging from 48% to 94% and a high satisfaction rate with the school health nurse consultation. Personalized feedback and guidance from the school health nurse seemed to be a motivational trigger, and components that were compatible with existing practices were most frequently used. However, the components were not considered engaging by all families. Overall, intervention components were well received and hold the potential for enhancing parental knowledge and parenting practices regarding limiting the intake of sugar-rich foods and drinks.

Keywords: discretionary food; family-based intervention; school health nurse; social cognitive theory; dietary guidelines; pre-school children; qualitative interviews (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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