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Modifying dietary risk behaviors to prevent obesity and dental caries in very young children: results of the Baby Steps to Health pediatric dental pilot
Author(s) -
Chomitz Virginia Rall,
Park Hubert J.,
KochWeser Susan,
Chui Kenneth Kwan Ho,
Sun Lingxia,
Malone Mary Ellen,
Palmer Carole,
Loo Cheen Y.,
Must Aviva
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of public health dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1752-7325
pISSN - 0022-4006
DOI - 10.1111/jphd.12311
Subject(s) - medicine , intervention (counseling) , behavior change , family medicine , population , gerontology , environmental health , nursing , pathology
Objectives To describe the design, feasibility, and acceptability of a theory‐informed obesity and dental caries prevention pilot study, Baby Steps to Health, conducted in an academic dental clinic among a primarily Asian immigrant population. Methods Baby Steps used self‐determination theory and behavioral motivation strategies for a caregiver/child (6–36 months) nutrition and oral health behavior change intervention implemented in a pediatric dental clinic. Caregivers completed a dietary practice assessment to identify risk behaviors and potential courses of action. With assistance from dental providers, caregiver responses were matched to customized dietary behavioral guidance and a behavior change goal to reinforce caregivers' autonomous motivation to improve feeding practices. A 1‐month, post‐visit phone caregiver interview assessed adherence to the behavioral goal(s) and solicited qualitative input for further program development. Results Fifty caregivers (82 percent Asian) participated in the initial visit, and 46 (92 percent) participated in the follow‐up interview. Reported obesogenic/cariogenic risk behaviors were prevalent: 57 percent of bottle‐fed children consumed non‐water beverages in bottles to aid sleep and 38 percent of parents offered snacks ad libitum. At follow‐up, 93 percent of caregivers who selected goals reported positive behavior change and 91 percent said they would participate in a similar future program. Conclusions Tailored guidance delivered in a program that uses self‐determination theory may represent a strategic use of the dental encounter to impart actionable information and motivate health‐related behavior change for families with very young children. Partnerships between dental and nutrition professionals offer opportunities to address key dietary behaviors that may prevent obesity and improve oral health, particularly among at‐risk children.