A nutrition intervention research project for low-income mothers of toddlers

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The goal of this project for low-income parents of children ages one to three is to promote healthy eating behaviors in young children. Critical factors address obesity prevention, specifically food consumption and the mealtime environment. Our objectives are to : (1) promote the development of healthy eating behaviors in young children while dietary habits are forming; (2) demonstrate that nutrition education provided through a multi-state intervention is effective in promoting healthy eating behaviors in young children; and (3) demonstrate that 'Healthy Toddlers' is a sustainable intervention with existing programs. Delivered by Extension paraprofessionals, eight in-home lessons (plus four telephone follow-up reinforcement contacts) are based on the social cognitive theory which addresses the influence of social, psychological and cognitive factors on health behaviors. A randomized experimental, short-term longitudinal design is proposed with intervention and control groups (300 participants per group), with three assessment periods: baseline, post assessment, and delayed post [six months after post]. Toddler eating skills and diet, and maternal toddler-feeding style, are assessed through parent self-report and in-home mealtime observations. Child and maternal BMI will be directly measured. Subjects in the intervention group are expected to demonstrate more positive dietary and eating skills and feeding interactions than the controls. The project's long-term goal is to improve the nation's nutrition and health by addressing childhood obesity through an effective intervention promoting the development of healthy eating habits at an early age.