Improving low‐income parents' fruit and vegetable intake and their potential to impact children's nutrition

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to test a comprehensive nutrition program developed specifically to target low‐income parents of young school‐aged children and determine whether the programme‐resulted in changes in parents' knowledge, attitude, self‐confidence, and behaviours related to both their and their child's nutrition in relation to fruit and vegetable intake.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quasi‐experimental pre‐test/post‐test design in which parent centers were selected to participate as either intervention or control sites. The primary method of data collection was self‐administered questionnaires.

Findings

The results show significant positive changes in parent knowledge, food behaviors, and home environment. No changes were observed in parents' attitudes; however, parent attitudes were high at baseline.

Practical implications

This work reinforces the importance of developing well designed interventions that specifically target the intended audience and intended outcomes.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies that have examined the potential and value of nutrition‐focused intervention targeting low‐income and predominantly Hispanic populations with the potential goal of impacting children.

Citation

Prelip, M., Le Thai, C., Toller Erausquin, J. and Slusser, W. (2011), "Improving low‐income parents' fruit and vegetable intake and their potential to impact children's nutrition", Health Education, Vol. 111 No. 5, pp. 391-411. https://doi.org/10.1108/09654281111161220