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Feasibility and Efficacy of the “FUNPALs Playgroup” Intervention to Improve Toddler Dietary and Activity Behaviors: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Author

Listed:
  • Aliye B. Cepni

    (Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA)

  • Ashley Taylor

    (Department of Psychological, Health and Learning Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA)

  • Christine Crumbley

    (Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA)

  • Debbe Thompson

    (USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center and Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA)

  • Nancy E. Moran

    (USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center and Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA)

  • Norma Olvera

    (Department of Psychological, Latino Health Disparities Lab, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA)

  • Daniel P. O’Connor

    (Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA)

  • Katherine R. Arlinghaus

    (Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA)

  • Craig A. Johnston

    (Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA)

  • Tracey A. Ledoux

    (Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA)

Abstract

This study evaluated the feasibility and effects of the Families Understanding Nutrition and Physically Active Lifestyles (FUNPALs) Playgroup on toddler (12–36-month-old) diet and activity behaviors. Parent–toddler dyads were recruited from disadvantaged communities and randomly assigned to receive 10-weekly sessions of the FUNPALs Playgroup ( n = 24) or dose-matched health education control group ( n = 26). FUNPALs Playgroups involved physical and snack activities, delivery of health information, and positive parenting coaching. The control group involved group health education for parents only. Process outcomes (e.g., retention rate, fidelity) and focus groups determined feasibility and perceived effects. To evaluate preliminary effects, validated measures of toddler diet (food frequency questionnaire and a carotenoid biomarker), physical activity (PA; accelerometers), general and feeding parenting (self-report surveys), and home environment (phone interview) were collected pre and post. The sample comprised parents (84% female) who self-identified as Hispanic/Latino (38%) and/or African American (32%). Retention was high (78%). Parents from both groups enjoyed the program and perceived improvements in their children’s health behaviors. Objective measures demonstrated improvement with large effects (η 2 = 0.29) in toddler diet ( p < 0.001) but not PA ( p = 0.099). In conclusion, the FUNPALs Playgroup is feasible and may improve toddler eating behaviors.

Suggested Citation

  • Aliye B. Cepni & Ashley Taylor & Christine Crumbley & Debbe Thompson & Nancy E. Moran & Norma Olvera & Daniel P. O’Connor & Katherine R. Arlinghaus & Craig A. Johnston & Tracey A. Ledoux, 2021. "Feasibility and Efficacy of the “FUNPALs Playgroup” Intervention to Improve Toddler Dietary and Activity Behaviors: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-17, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:15:p:7828-:d:600134
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    Cited by:

    1. Maribel Barragan & Viridiana Luna & Amber J. Hammons & Norma Olvera & Kimberly Greder & Flavia Cristina Drumond Andrade & Barbara Fiese & Angela Wiley & Margarita Teran-Garcia & the Abriendo Caminos R, 2022. "Reducing Obesogenic Eating Behaviors in Hispanic Children through a Family-Based, Culturally-Tailored RCT: Abriendo Caminos," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-14, February.

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