O18 Impacting Food Parenting: A Randomized Control Trial Comparing In-Person and Online Delivery

Abstract

Background The majority of parents engage in 1 or more ineffective food parenting practices. Digital program delivery eliminates several barriers parents identify for attending in-person classes and may be a platform to engage larger numbers of parents if found to be as effective as in-person content delivery. Objective The purpose of the study was to compare parent behavioral outcomes for in-person and online delivery of food parenting content embedded in a nutrition education program. Study Design, Setting, Participants The study was a randomized control trial conducted with participants attending EFNEP classes in 2 western states. Subjects were randomized to 1 of 3 conditions (in-person or online intervention or control group). All participants received the Eating Smart • Being Active curriculum; those in the intervention groups also received feeding content through videos and related activities. Classes were offered in both English and Spanish. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Caregivers completed a series of questionnaires before and after completing the program to assess feeding knowledge; food parenting practices and styles; and feeding efficacy. Preliminary data from 345 participants were utilized for a multilevel analysis nesting participants within classes as a function of condition (control, in-person, online). Results Results showed that caregivers in the in-person and online conditions were more likely to: 1) demonstrate knowledge about the number of servings it takes for children to begin to accept a new food, 2) report serving new foods to their child, 3) report involving their child in food preparation, and 4) show higher responsiveness in feeding (ie, the use of child-centered feeding practices). Few differences between the online and in-person conditions were found. Conclusion Integrating feeding content into a nutrition education curriculum is an effective strategy for impacting both knowledge and behavior of caregivers. Moreover, online and in-person delivery of feeding content are equally effective in producing positive changes Funding NIFA.