Impact of Mothers Participation in a Nutrition Education Intervention on Their Children Eating Behavior

Abstract

ObjectivesTo determine whether mother’s participation in a nutrition education program influence obese children’s body weight and improving their health behavior. Additionally, this study evaluates changes in attitude toward food, and beliefs for children-mothers dyad participating in the Healthy Habits (HH) program. MethodsFourteen mothers were willing to participate in the intervention. The mother’s intervention was offered to the mothers of children participating in the Healthy Habits group only. Mothers received “what’s app” text messages and materials related to the nutrition education provided for all children in the Healthy Habits group during the 8-week period. ResultsAfter an 8-week intervention, children with maternal support showed significant (21% VS 100%, P.001), (45% VS 95%, P = 0.012) improvement in eating behavior and attitude compared with the other group in the intervention. Maternal eating behaviors, beliefs and attitudes were also significantly (12% VS 95%, P.001), (21% VS 82%, P.001) changed by their participation. ConclusionsMaternal involvement in the Healthy Habits program showed positive effect on children eating behavior in addition to improvement in maternal behavior. Our findings suggest that actively involving mothers in programs to reduce childhood obesity, will magnify the potential effects of the program on children by changing the family dynamics and creating a supportive environment. Funding SourcesN/A.