Systems map of interventions to improve dietary intake of pre-school aged children: A scoping review

Jacqueline Chan; Patrick Conroy; Philayrath Phongsavan; David Raubenheimer; Margaret Allman-Farinelli

doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107727

Systems map of interventions to improve dietary intake of pre-school aged children: A scoping review

Prev Med. 2023 Dec:177:107727. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107727. Epub 2023 Oct 15.

Authors

Jacqueline Chan¹, Patrick Conroy², Philayrath Phongsavan³, David Raubenheimer⁴, Margaret Allman-Farinelli⁵

Affiliations

¹ Nutrition and Dietetics Group, Sydney Nursing School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Electronic address: jcha6956@uni.sydney.edu.au.
² Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
³ Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
⁴ Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
⁵ Nutrition and Dietetics Group, Sydney Nursing School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

PMID: 37848165
DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107727

Abstract

Implementation and sustaining impact of early childhood nutrition interventions in practice remains a challenge. An understanding of the extent to which determinants across multiple levels of the food system are being addressed may improve success. This literature review aimed to synthesise the evidence on interventions targeting dietary intake and eating behaviours in preschool children using a systems approach. Eligible studies included intervention studies targeting the dietary intake of preschool children aged 2-5 years in high income countries, published in English after January 2000. Interventions were categorised to the Determinants of Nutrition and Eating (DONE) framework for children developed and evaluated by experts across multiple fields. The framework maps and ranks 411 factors driving eating behaviours and nutrition and can be used to systematically summarise determinants. DONE ranks each determinant for its perceived research priority. A total of 160 eligible studies were identified. Most interventions targeted interpersonal (n = 101, 63.1%) and individual (n = 85, 53.1%) level determinants, with fewer targeting environmental (n = 55, 34.4%) and policy level (n = 17, 10.6%) determinants. The most frequently addressed determinants were Parental Resources and Risk Factors (n = 85) and Children's Food Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (n = 67). These determinants had a Moderate research priority rating. Home Food Availability and Accessibility at the environmental level is classified as the highest research priority, however, only 15 of 160 interventions addressed this determinant. This review highlights home food availability and accessibility as potential leverage points for future interventions to improve children's dietary intake and eating behaviours.

Keywords: Child; Diet; Food environment; Food policy; Food system; Health promotion; Nutrition; Preschool; Systems-approach.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Child, Preschool
Diet
Eating*
Feeding Behavior
Food*
Humans
Nutritional Status
Parents