(P22-045-23) Investigating a Checklist and Social Support Minimal Intervention for Parent Feeding Practices in Families Experiencing Food Insecurity: Protocol for the COMER Pilot Study

Objectives: Children from low-income households face higher risk for nutrition insecurity and pediatric obesity. In-home interventions are needed to support healthy feeding practices and address disparities. This feasibility trial will evaluate a 4-week online family mealtime checklist + peer social support intervention for families who: (a) have experienced food insecurity in the last year, (b) have at least one 6-11 year old with overweight/obesity, (c) speak English or Spanish, and (d) live near priority communities in Massachusetts.

Methods: One group, pre-test post-test. Participants: (a) leaders of local non-profits addressing food insecurity, recruited by personal communication; (b) parents/caregivers recruited via online panel. Measures: Leaders: community needs/assets, anticipated barriers to implementation at scale (Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research). Parents: Feasibility (e.g., acceptability and adherence); positive weight-related parenting practices (e.g., Comprehensive Feeding Practices); parent stress; and child dietary intake (e.g., sugar-sweetened beverages). Data analysis plan: Thematic analysis; descriptive statistics; paired t-tests with Bonferroni correction.

Results: To date, three leaders have completed qualitative interviews, leading to modifications before deployment (e.g., nutrition education links in the electronic checklist). To date, nine participants have completed baseline data; eight continued the study. Most speak English (88%); a third (38%) have a Bachelor’s degree or higher; and almost half (44%) are female. Average age is 37 years. Of eligible children, half are Hispanic (50%); average age is 8 years. Average BMI and BMI percentile are 26.0 and 97.88^th. Participants have provided feedback for 11 weekly check-ins.

Conclusions: Anticipated benefits of the feasibility test are refinement of this low-cost, community-delivered program addressing chronic disease risk that is co-developed with members of a community facing food insecurity. The study will evaluate potential for a larger randomized controlled trial. Societal impact of a successful trial would be to empower low-income families to achieve and maintain healthier lifestyles by harnessing community resources when facing food insecurity and pediatric obesity.

Funding Sources: Merrimack College - START and Catalyst funding