P46: Evaluation of a Parent Component to a Physical Activity Program Targeting Preschoolers

Abstract

Objective: To compare food patterns and mealtime behaviors of African American (AAT) and Caucasian toddlers (CT). Design, Setting and Participants: Design: A cross sectional in-home survey using culturally sensitive instruments. Setting: Participant homes Participants: Caregivers of low income AAT (n 190) and CT (n 200). Outcome Measures and Analysis: Toddler food patterns and mealtime behaviors Analysis: Descriptive statistics and chi-square associations were used to analyze food frequency and mealtime behavior surveys. Results: CT were more likely than AAT to: eat meat (p 0.011), dairy (p 0.031), and vegetables (p 0.001) 4 or more times a week; rarely/never eat sweetened cereals (p 0.005), and have any sweetened drinks (p 0.012). AAT were more likely to eat whole grapes (p 0.000). CT caregivers were more likely to report making the child eat everything (p 0.000), that their toddlers always try new foods (p 0.001), that the television is never on in the same room where the toddler meal is served (p 0.031); and that caregiver and child never watch TV during mealtimes. CT were also reported to always feed themselves (p 0.044) and decide what to eat (p 0.021). AAT parents were more likely to decide what their child eats (p 0.001), and make their child taste everything (p 0.000). Conclusion and Implications: Eating patterns (vegetable, meat, dairy and sweetened cereal) and mealtime behaviors (TV watching by parent and child and self-regulation) differ for AAT and CT. These preliminary findings warrant a more in-depth investigation. Project funded by: DHHS and Administration for Children, Youth and Families Implications: These findings are useful for cross-cultural considerations, for healthy nutrition and mealtime behaviors for toddlers.