Recruitment, Engagement, and Retention of Fathers in Nutrition Education and Obesity Research

Rachel L Vollmer; Kari Adamsons; Amy R Mobley

doi:10.1016/j.jneb.2019.07.006

Recruitment, Engagement, and Retention of Fathers in Nutrition Education and Obesity Research

J Nutr Educ Behav. 2019 Oct;51(9):1121-1125. doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2019.07.006. Epub 2019 Aug 2.

Authors

Rachel L Vollmer¹, Kari Adamsons², Amy R Mobley³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, Bradley University, Ave, Peoria, IL.
² Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT.
³ Department of Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Electronic address: amy.mobley@ufl.edu.

Abstract

This article provides a perspective about recruiting, engaging, and retaining fathers in research and programming related to nutrition education and childhood obesity prevention. Recent research emphasizes the importance of fathers in childhood obesity prevention, and although father-friendly approaches can emulate other underserved populations, some researchers have acknowledged that differences may exist. Family sciences- related and nutritional sciences-related literature is summarized to provide guidance for nutrition and obesity scholars. Best practices may vary by the type of study and father characteristics; and the venues, content, structure, timing, and approach of research and interventions may need to be tailored for fathers.

Keywords: behavioral research; fathers; pediatric obesity; recruitment.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

Behavioral Research / methods*
Father-Child Relations
Fathers*
Health Education / methods*
Humans
Male
Patient Selection*
Pediatric Obesity / prevention & control*

Grants and funding

R21 HD087817/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States