Improving children's problem eating and mealtime behaviours: An evaluative study of a single session parent education programme

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a 'single session' group, early intervention, multidisciplinary, education programme (entitled the Fun not Fuss with Food group programme) designed to improve children's problem eating and mealtime behaviours.

Design A quasi-experimental time-series design incorporating data collection, twice before and twice following the intervention.

Setting A health district within the southeast region of Queensland, Australia.

Method Data were collected using the Children's Eating and Mealtime Behaviour Inventory - Revised (CEBI-R) and the Family Demographic Questionnaire.

Results Parents who attended the Fun not Fuss with Food group programme reported significant improvements in their child's problem eating and mealtime behaviours and reported reductions in parental concerns regarding their child's eating and mealtime behaviours. Conclusion A single session, early intervention, group education programme for families with children with problem eating and mealtime behaviours is appropriate and effective. Therefore, early intervention group education programmes should be considered as a strategy for this client group.