Supporting tamariki with selective eating behaviours using parent-led interventions: co-design of a community intervention

Abstract

Background: Selective eating during childhood is highly prevalent in the general population and a frequent concern reported by parents and caregivers. For some whānau, periods of selective eating may be short-lived; for others, restricted dietary intake and problematic mealtime behaviours may persist. Long-term selective eating may impact growth and nutrition. In New Zealand, support programmes targeted at parents and caregivers of children with selective eating are scarce. REFUSE, Reducing Extreme Fussy Eating Using Structured Education was developed by researchers at the University of Auckland and delivered across six one-hour sessions in a group-based format using Zoom. Objective: The aim of this study was to continue to develop REFUSE into a self-directed, webbased education resource using methods of experience-based codesign. Methods: Parents and caregivers of children with selective eating behaviours were recruited (n=13). Information was collected from whānau to inform the development of REFUSE Online. A PDF version of the proposed REFUSE Online modules was sent to participants for review, and feedback was collected (n=7). Results: Results from the initial [whānau] survey were combined with learnings from the literature and feedback from REFUSE 1 to inform the development of REFUSE Online. Seven of the thirteen participants who completed the whānau survey reviewed the fussy eating modules and completed the evaluation questionnaire. Based on their review, participants were asked to rate their agreement with ten statements. The average score for all ten statements was above four (out of five), indicating that the modules were well received. Conclusion: REFUSE Online is an acceptable intervention for use with whānau of children who have selective eating. The results from the REFUSE Online pilot provide preliminary evidence that a targeted intervention aimed at reducing fussy eating behaviours may be feasible with future modifications.