Training Videos for Non-Nutrition Personnel to Help Parents Prevent Childhood Obesity

Abstract

Short, on-line training for non-nutrition personnel (NNP) is lacking in the field of childhood obesity prevention. The HomeStyles project created a series of 13 training videos to expand NNP's repertoire of subject matter knowledge. NNP working with parents of children ages 2 to 5. Subject matter was determined using qualitative methods and formative evaluation with English and Spanish speaking parents (N=120) to determine topics on which they wanted more information. Extensive literature searches ensured topics were relevant to obesity prevention for preschool children and reflected the latest research. The training videos range from 10 to 15 minutes in length. They cover the foundations of a healthy lifestyle for obesity prevention: nutrition (e.g. fuss-free feeding, healthful beverages, family meals, breakfast, fruits and vegetables), physical activity (e.g. being active as a family, less screen time) and adequate sleep. Videos present evidence-based information in a conversational tone easy for NNP to understand. Data used to evaluate the effectiveness of the videos for increasing subject matter knowledge among NNP are collected using an online evaluation tool. Each video concludes with a Knowledge Check and a link to an on-line questionnaire that evaluates knowledge and NNP's perception of video quality and usefulness. These videos fill a void for training NNP in evidence-based subjects for preventing childhood obesity and are important to preschool parents. An effective video series will be welcomed by home visitors in the HomeStyles project and other NNP as they assist parents of young children in preventing obesity.