Exploring Parent Perceptions of the Food Environment in Youth Sport

Abstract Objective To examine parent perceptions of the food environment in youth sport. Methods Eight focus group discussions were held with parents (n = 60) of youth aged 6-13 years participating in basketball programs in Minnesota. Key themes and concepts were identified via transcript-based anal...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of nutrition education and behavior 2012-07, Vol.44 (4), p.365-371
Main Authors: Thomas, Megan, MPH, RD, Nelson, Toben F., ScD, Harwood, Eileen, PhD, Neumark-Sztainer, Dianne, PhD, RD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adolescents
Barriers
Child
Children
Diet
Eating Habits
Environment
exercise
Feeding Behavior
Female
Focus Groups
Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Health Promotion
Humans
Internal Medicine
Knowledge
Male
Minnesota
Nutrition
Nutrition Instruction
Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
Parent Attitudes
Parents & parenting
Parents - psychology
Perceptions
Qualitative Research
Sports
Team Sports
Youth Programs
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Summary:Abstract Objective To examine parent perceptions of the food environment in youth sport. Methods Eight focus group discussions were held with parents (n = 60) of youth aged 6-13 years participating in basketball programs in Minnesota. Key themes and concepts were identified via transcript-based analysis. Results Parents reported that youth commonly consume unhealthful food and beverages during sports. According to parents, few healthful food and beverage options are available in sport settings, whereas unhealthful options are widely available. Parents were generally dissatisfied with food available in youth sport settings and wanted sport-specific nutrition knowledge. Time constraints and low availability of nutritious food at sport venues were barriers to healthful eating. Conclusions and Implications Youth sport is a promising setting for promoting nutrition. Potential interventions may include advice about healthful eating to overcome the challenges associated with youth sport and policy changes that promote greater availability of healthful food at concessions stands.
ISSN:1499-4046
1878-2620
1708-8259
DOI:10.1016/j.jneb.2011.11.005