Mothers' involvement in a school-based fruit and vegetable promotion intervention is associated with increased fruit and vegetable intakes – The Pro Children study
2008

Mothers' Involvement in a School-Based Fruit and Vegetable Promotion Intervention

Sample size: 1253 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Saskia J te Velde, Marianne Wind, Carmen Perez-Rodrigo, Knut-Inge Klepp, Johannes Brug

Primary Institution: VU University Medical Center

Hypothesis

Does mothers' involvement in a school-based intervention improve their fruit and vegetable intake?

Conclusion

The Pro Children Intervention did not increase mothers' fruit and vegetable consumption, likely due to low involvement in the project.

Supporting Evidence

  • The intervention did not improve mothers' fruit and vegetable intake after one and two years.
  • Higher involvement levels were associated with higher intake at follow-up.
  • Only a small proportion of mothers participated in the intervention activities.

Takeaway

The study tried to help mothers eat more fruits and vegetables by getting them involved in their children's school activities, but it didn't work because not many mothers participated.

Methodology

Cluster randomized controlled trial conducted in Spain, Norway, and the Netherlands, assessing mothers' fruit and vegetable intake through questionnaires.

Potential Biases

Gender-related selection bias as most questionnaires were completed by mothers.

Limitations

High dropout rates, especially among Dutch mothers, and low overall parental involvement may limit the findings.

Participant Demographics

Mothers of 11-year-old children from Spain, Norway, and the Netherlands, with varying educational levels and immigrant status.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1479-5868-5-48

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