Development and Feasibility of a Childhood Obesity Prevention Program for Rural Families: Application of the Social Cognitive Theory.

BACKGROUND: Effective childhood obesity prevention programs for preschool children are limited in number and focus on changes in the child care environment rather than the home environment.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this project was to develop and test the feasibility of a home environment obesity prevention program that incorporates mindful eating strategies and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) constructs. Home Sweet Home is specifically designed for rural parents and grandparents of preschool-age children.
METHODS: HSH was developed using community-based participatory research practices and constructs from the SCT. Three community-based education sessions were delivered. Pre- and post-intervention data were collected from 47 grandparents and mothers.F.
RESULTS: Three of the four selected behavioral outcomes improved between pre- and post-intervention. The number of hours engaged in sedentary behaviors and intake of "red light" foods decreased while three of four mindful eating scores increased. Graduates of the program were able to decrease the number of "red light" foods available in their homes. DISCUSSION: Improvements in mindful eating and several key behaviors were observed after a three week mindful eating/home environment intervention. TRANSLATION TO HEALTH EDUCATION PRACTICE: Health educators should incorporate mindful eating strategies and use the SCT when designing childhood obesity prevention programs.