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Aus Occup Therapy J - 2024 - Chilman - Occupational Performance Coaching for parents of picky eaters A mixed methods study722.47 kB
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Journal article
Occupational Performance Coaching for parents of picky eaters: A mixed methods study
Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, Vol.71(5), pp.644-660
2024
PMID: 38538542
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Expert Quote
Parents the key to tackling kids’ picky eating: research findings
UniSC News (Julie Schomberg)Abstract
Background/Aim
Picky eating is a common childhood phenomenon that impacts many families' occupations surrounding mealtimes. Evidence of the effectiveness of Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC) for caregivers of children suggests it may represent a useful occupation-focused intervention for parents of picky eaters. Using an OPC-targeted intervention, this study aims to report preliminary effectiveness, explore the experience of parents' participation, and investigate factors that influence the OPC intervention.
Methods
This study used an explanatory mixed-method design. Parent participants (n = 8) were recruited via purposive sampling and engaged in three sessions of OPC delivered via an online platform between October and December 2022. Standardised assessments were completed before and after OPC and a qualitative semi-structured interview two weeks after the final OPC session. Variables were analysed descriptively, and independent t tests were performed to compare scores on each standardised assessment pre- and post-intervention. Pearson's correlation analyses were conducted to consider associations between resistance to change and the extent of change in each outcome measure. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted on postintervention interview transcripts.
Consumer and Community Involvement
Consumer invovlement was limited to parents feedback on their experiences of the intervention.
Results
Improvements in occupational performance as measured by the COPM change score were statistically significant (p = <0.001). Child eating behaviours, as measured by the CEBQ Food Fussiness subscale change score (p = 0.01) and BPFAS change score (p = 0.02), demonstrated significant improvements. The extent to which parents viewed these behaviours as problematic as measured by the BPFAS problem change score, showed a significant reduction (p = <0.001). Three themes emerged from interviews with parents: small changes beyond nutrition, parents supported as the experts, and what parents value within an intervention.
Conclusion
Targeted OPC intervention delivered online by an occupational therapist may be an effective intervention for parents of picky eaters. Future studies using randomised controls are required before OPC can be routinely recommended in a clinical setting for the management of picky eating in children.
Details
- Title
- Occupational Performance Coaching for parents of picky eaters: A mixed methods study
- Authors
- Laine B Chilman (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Occupational TherapyPamela J Meredith - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Occupational TherapyNicole Southon - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Occupational TherapyAnn Kennedy-Behr - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Occupational TherapyThuy Frakking - The University of QueenslandLibby Swanepoel - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Nutrition & DieteticsMichèle Verdonck - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Occupational Therapy
- Publication details
- Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, Vol.71(5), pp.644-660
- Publisher
- John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
- Date published
- 2024
- DOI
- 10.1111/1440-1630.12947
- ISSN
- 1440-1630; 0045-0766
- PMID
- 38538542
- Copyright note
- © 2024 The Authors. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Occupational Therapy Australia. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.
- Data Availability
- The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy or ethical restrictions.
- Organisation Unit
- Healthy Ageing Research Cluster; Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics; School of Health - Occupational Therapy; Cancer Research Cluster; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991010979102621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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