Abstract
Despite the many benefits of regular breakfast consumption few parents and children consume this meal every day and research examining the determinants of breakfast consumption is limited. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine breakfast-related cognitions (i.e., beliefs, attitudes, facilitators, barriers) of parents and school-age children (ages 6–11 years) using the constructs of Social Cognitive Theory as a guide. Parents (n = 37) and children (n = 41) participated in focus group discussions held in community settings in 3 states (FL, NJ, WV). Data were qualitatively content analyzed to detect trends. Parents felt breakfast was important for numerous reasons. Parents expressed concern about the healthfulness of some traditional breakfast options, preferring breakfasts containing mostly fruits, vegetables, and protein and fewer carbohydrates. Parents identified lack of time as the greatest barrier to breakfast consumption. To overcome this barrier, they utilized grab-and-go foods, prepared breakfast ahead of time, and got up earlier. Utilizing the school breakfast program was another strategy mentioned, however some were concerned about the nutritional quality of this option. Children recognized the importance of breakfast and cited several benefits. The greatest barrier to breakfast identified by children was feeling rushed in the morning. To overcome barriers, children suggested having a morning routine, selecting or preparing breakfast foods ahead, and relying on parents to encourage breakfast consumption. The effectiveness of interventions aiming to improve breakfast intake may be improved by addressing parent and child breakfast-related cognitions and tailoring interventions to address their needs.
Highlights
Childhood obesity continues to be a public health concern as nearly one in five school-aged children (i.e., 6 to 11 years old) in the United States are obese and rates of obesity increase with age [1,2].Childhood overweight and obesity track into adulthood, with 55% of obese children becoming obese adolescents and 80% of obese adolescents becoming obese adults [3]
Fewer parents participated in a Spanish language focus group compared to those participating in an English language focus group (35% and 65%, respectively)
This study aimed to identify the cognitions, barriers, and facilitators of breakfast for parents and school-age children and use them to develop recommendations for interventions, predicated on the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), targeting improved breakfast behaviors of families with school-age children
Summary
Childhood obesity continues to be a public health concern as nearly one in five school-aged children (i.e., 6 to 11 years old) in the United States are obese and rates of obesity increase with age [1,2].Childhood overweight and obesity track into adulthood, with 55% of obese children becoming obese adolescents and 80% of obese adolescents becoming obese adults [3]. Childhood obesity continues to be a public health concern as nearly one in five school-aged children (i.e., 6 to 11 years old) in the United States are obese and rates of obesity increase with age [1,2]. The negative health consequences associated with childhood obesity are numerous and include early onset of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension [4,5]. Many overweight and obese children experience weight teasing, which can have negative psychological consequences [6]. Regular breakfast consumption has repeatedly been shown to be associated with healthy body weights [7,8] and children who skip breakfast are more likely to be overweight than children who consume breakfast regularly [9,10,11,12]. Individuals who skip breakfast consume less healthful diets
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
