Barriers and Facilitators for Healthy Eating and Physical Activity: Interviews with Family Child Care Educators and Organization Staff

Abstract

Introduction:

Family child care (FCC) offers a promising setting for obesity prevention, yet interventions have had varied success, potentially due to insufficient stakeholder input. This study aimed to explore barriers, facilitators, and preferences for healthy eating and physical activity interventions among Australian FCC educators and organization staff.

Methodology:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 FCC educators and 6 staff members, using the framework method for data analysis.

Results:

Findings were organized according to the socioecological model. At the public policy level, regulations were seen as prioritizing risk avoidance over health benefits. At the community level, educators cited community programs and facilities as supportive of physical activity, noting that cultural and socioeconomic factors influence healthy eating. At the organizational level, adequate space promoted physical activity, but financial limitations impacted food provision and access to physical activity equipment. Some FCC organizations did not provide support for healthy practices. At the interpersonal level, educators and staff struggled to address unsupportive parental choices. Lastly, at the individual level, nutrition knowledge and education were deemed important for promoting healthy eating, with picky eating as a common obstacle.

Conclusion:

To enhance healthy eating and physical activity in FCC, recommended strategies include training safety assessors, educators, and parents on risky play; adapting regulations to the FCC context; reimbursing food provision; enhancing opportunities for excursions and outdoor play spaces; improving communication between educators and parents and expanding educators’ knowledge of nutrition and physical activity.