JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Parents’ feeding practices play a role in shaping children’s dietary patterns, which influence chronic disease risk. Feeding children is challenging, so parents need guidance and support. PICNIC is an Australian program that promotes responsive child feeding using dietitian-led training and online communication, then facilitates peer-to-peer information sharing within parents’ social networks.

Objective:

This pilot study aimed to test the feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, and perceived impact of PICNIC with Swedish parents.

Methods:

This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study involved 47 parents of children aged 0-24 months. Parents attended a 2-hour online dietitian-led workshop, followed by two months of child nutrition and feeding support in a moderated, closed Facebook group. Quantitative data from digital questionnaires (n=43) were analysed and integrated with qualitative findings from thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews (n=15).

Results:

Parents attended one of ten workshops, and 4-5 posts/week (20% participants’ questions) were shared in the project Facebook group. Both quantitative and qualitative data indicated parents’ child feeding knowledge increased from participation. Parents reported the intervention filled a gap in existing child healthcare support, strengthening their confidence in child feeding while providing a sense of recognition and community. PICNIC information was described as trustworthy, shareable, and something to ‘lean on’. Parents valued the social interaction during workshops but also suggested recorded content for easier access.

Conclusions:

This pilot study demonstrated high acceptability and appropriateness of the PICNIC intervention model among parents in Sweden. This study will inform the design of an adapted version of PICNIC to be offered through child healthcare.