Acceptability and Feasibility of the Feeding, Fun and Families Intervention for Reducing Solid Fat and Added Sugar Intakes among Low-Income Preschoolers

Background: Solid fats and added sugar (SoFAS) intakes among preschoolers well-exceed recommendations and contribute to child obesity, but have not been explicitly targeted in prevention efforts, particularly in high-risk populations.

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of Feeding, Fun, and Families (FFF), a behavioral and nutrition intervention for low-income mothers of preschoolers aimed at reducing SoFAS intakes by emphasizing portion size and authoritative child feeding strategies. 

Methods: FFF was pilot tested in a single-arm, 12 week group intervention emphasizing facilitated discussion via a trained moderator.  Behavioral change principles (e.g. problem solving, goal setting) were used to address child feeding (i.e. structure, limit setting) and nutritional targets relevant to child SoFAS intake (e.g. snacking, portion size). Participants were 9 predominately African American mothers of preschoolers recruited through Women, Infant, and Children offices.  Program acceptability/feasibility were assessed by maternal self-report and by the completion of pre-/post-intervention measures: child SoFAS intakes (3, 24 hr dietary recalls), measured height/weight, and mother-child meal observations.

Results: Of 9 dyads, 8 mothers and 3 children were either overweight or obese.  Attendance was high (7 of 9 mothers attended ¾ of sessions) and program targets appeared feasible (7 of 9 mothers reported no difficulty making changes).  Approximately 60% of dietary recalls were completed and 8/9 mothers completed pre-/post- questionnaires, observational, and anthropometric assessments.  Program acceptability was high (8 of 9 mothers rated as very/extremely helpful).

Conclusion: Results provide initial evidence of feasibility and acceptability of FFF to reduce child SoFAS intakes through authoritative approaches to child feeding.