Occupational Performance Coaching for parents of picky eaters: A mixed methods study

Laine B Chilman; Pamela J Meredith; Nicole Southon; Ann Kennedy-Behr; Thuy Frakking; Libby Swanepoel; Michèle Verdonck

doi:10.1111/1440-1630.12947

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Occupational Performance Coaching for parents of picky eaters: A mixed methods study

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Occupational Performance Coaching for parents of picky eaters: A mixed methods study

Laine B Chilman, Pamela J Meredith, Nicole Southon, Ann Kennedy-Behr, Thuy Frakking, Libby Swanepoel and Michèle Verdonck

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, Vol.71(5), pp.644-660

2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12947

PMID: 38538542

Appears in UniSC Diversity and Inclusion Research Collection

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Abstract

picky eating

Occupational Performance Coaching

fussy eating

treatment outcome

occupational therapy

parents

UniSC Diversity Area - Life Stages

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 Therapy
Pamela J Meredith - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Occupational Therapy
Nicole Southon - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Occupational Therapy
Ann Kennedy-Behr - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Occupational Therapy
Thuy Frakking - The University of Queensland
Libby Swanepoel - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics
Michèle 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
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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