Objective: To examine cooking practices, online information-seeking habits, and intervention preferences among parents with low income to inform the development of a digital cooking intervention on the basis of the Healthy Cooking Index.
Methods: This formative research study included a brief survey followed by in-depth interviews (from February to April, 2021) with parents of a child aged 6-11 years with low income (n = 20; 100% female, 70% African American or Hispanic White). Interview transcripts were analyzed using a semistructured hybrid coding approach.
Results: Three main themes were identified to inform the development of the intervention: (1) current Healthy Cooking Index behaviors, (2) preferences for digital cooking intervention content, and (3) design and delivery preferences. A 7-step process was used to develop the intervention and integrate qualitative findings.
Conclusions and implications: Online culinary programs targeting parents with low income may consider short, mobile-friendly video formats and focus on easy-to-prepare recipes adaptable to family preferences.
Keywords: cooking; diet quality; digital health; nutrition intervention.
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