Improving low-income parents’ fruit and vegetable intake and their potential to impact children’s nutrition.

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Jennifer Toller Erausquin, Associate Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

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.

Additional Information

Publication
Language: English
Date: 2011
Keywords
children, fruits, parents, vegetables, low-income families, nutrition, child nutrition

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