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A Qualitative Evaluation of Social Aspects of Sugar-Rich Food and Drink Intake and Parental Strategies for Reductions

Author

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  • Bodil Just Christensen

    (National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 201, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark)

  • Sidse Marie Sidenius Bestle

    (National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 201, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark)

  • Ellen Trolle

    (National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 201, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark)

  • Anja Pia Biltoft-Jensen

    (National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 201, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark)

  • Jeppe Matthiessen

    (National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 201, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark)

  • Anne Dahl Lassen

    (National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet Building 201, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark)

Abstract

Danish children have a much larger intake of sugar-rich foods and drinks than recommended. This study aimed to (1) explore social aspects and practices of pre-school children’s intake of sugar-rich foods and drinks and (2) evaluate barriers and parental strategies to reduce their children’s intake of sugar-rich foods and drinks employed in connection with the 3.5-month family-centred intervention trial ‘Are you too sweet?’. Intervention components included communication of the recommended maximum intake and reduction strategies, supported by resources encouraging and facilitating behavioural changes. A random sample of families (n = 24) from intervention schools participated in post-intervention semi-structured interviews. A thematic content analysis was conducted, revealing three main domains of social practices: (1) ‘family treats’, including the weekly Danish concept ‘Friday sweets’, (2) ‘everyday treats’, such as sweet snacks in lunch packs, between-meals snacks and soft drink habits and (3) ‘socialized treats’, including treats at special occasions. Parents employed several strategies, most often substitution and portion-size reduction, but also limiting home availability. Families most frequently made changes that were easily adoptable and close to existing routines at home. In conclusion, the intervention components provided families with knowledge and strategies that facilitated behavioural changes towards reducing the intake of sugar-rich foods and drinks.

Suggested Citation

  • Bodil Just Christensen & Sidse Marie Sidenius Bestle & Ellen Trolle & Anja Pia Biltoft-Jensen & Jeppe Matthiessen & Anne Dahl Lassen, 2022. "A Qualitative Evaluation of Social Aspects of Sugar-Rich Food and Drink Intake and Parental Strategies for Reductions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-20, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:18:p:11647-:d:915763
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sidse Marie Sidenius Bestle & Bodil Just Christensen & Ellen Trolle & Anja Pia Biltoft-Jensen & Jeppe Matthiessen & Sarah Jegsmark Gibbons & Bjarne Kjær Ersbøll & Anne Dahl Lassen, 2020. "Reducing Young Schoolchildren’s Intake of Sugar-Rich Food and Drinks: Study Protocol and Intervention Design for “Are You Too Sweet?” A Multicomponent 3.5-Month Cluster Randomised Family-Based Interve," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-20, December.
    2. Stead, Martine & McDermott, Laura & MacKintosh, Anne Marie & Adamson, Ashley, 2011. "Why healthy eating is bad for young people's health: Identity, belonging and food," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 72(7), pages 1131-1139, April.
    3. Bodil Just Christensen & Sidse Marie Sidenius Bestle & Ellen Trolle & Anja Pia Biltoft-Jensen & Jeppe Matthiessen & Sarah Jegsmark Gibbons & Anne Dahl Lassen, 2022. "Evaluation of Parental Acceptability and Use of Intervention Components to Reduce Pre-School Children’s Intake of Sugar-Rich Food and Drinks," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-23, June.
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