Feasibility of a Grocery Store Tour for Parents and Their Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility of a grocery store tour for parents and their adolescents being led by adults or adolescent peers. DesignRandomized controlled pilot study with surveys at baseline and post-program, and at 3- and 6-month follow-up. SettingMidwestern midsized grocery stores. ParticipantsSixty-one parents and their 71 11- to 14-year-old adolescents. InterventionNutrition education during 1 90-minute grocery store tour. Main Outcome MeasuresProcess observations and participants' tour perceptions provided fidelity outcomes. Questionnaires quantitatively assessed participants' knowledge, self-efficacy, and tour strategy use. AnalysisChi-square and McNemar tests were used to analyze categorical data, and Kruskal–Wallis, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and Mann-Whitney U tests were employed for continuous variables (significance at P < .05). ResultsOver 90% of tour tasks were rated as completed well for adult and peer leaders. Participants had positive tour perceptions but noted deficiencies in teen leaders' knowledge and leadership skills. Overall, parents and adolescents retained increased self-efficacy from pre-tour to post-tour intervals. Despite limited knowledge retention, parents reported they had increased (6.5 ± 4.19) healthful grocery shopping behaviors in the 6 months after the intervention. Conclusions and ImplicationsPeers may feasibly lead grocery store tours but they may need additional resources and support to be highly effective.