CompletedNot Applicable

The SmartFeeding4Kids: Study of a New Web-based Food Parenting Intervention

Portugal260 participantsStarted 2021-07-13

Plain-language summary

This research aims to develop and study the efficacy of a web-based brief intervention, Smart Feeding4Kids, to promote healthy dietary patterns in young children (2 to 6 years old) through changes in parents' feeding practices. The intervention is grounded on self-regulation and habit-formation models and combines the use of several effective behavioral methodologies. The multidisciplinary team integrates experienced researchers on parenting interventions, child nutrition, and the development of online applications to support personalized nutritional assessment and psychological interventions. The monitoring of the use of the platform and the knowledge about the predictors of efficacy, adherence, and involvement obtained in this project will offer professionals essential information to the development of future online interventions. The project will also contribute with knowledge concerning the most effective methodologies for changing parental feeding practices and collects unique information about the eating habits and practices of parents of Portuguese children. The main hypotheses of the study: 1. parents who enrolled in behavior change and social support interventions will report significantly higher use of effective feeding practices (child's self-regulation intake practices, food availability, and accessibility practices) and significantly lower use of ineffective feeding practices (food control, restriction, and permissiveness feeding practices); 2. children whose parents enrolled in behavior change and social support interventions will have a significantly more frequent intake of vegetables and fruits intake, and significantly less frequent intake of sugar-sweetened foods and beverages; 3. positive changes in parental feeding practices will mediate children's food intake, with increased vegetables and fruits and decreased sugar-sweetened foods and beverages intake.

Who can participate

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Parent/caregiver of a 2 to 6 years old child, at baseline (if the parent has two children in the same age interval, the parent must choose the child that raises more concerns about their health habits, as reference) * Have access to a mobile phone or computer/tablet with internet * Be fluent in Portuguese * Agree to participate in the study to accomplish the intervention in which they are allocated, the evaluation protocols, and the tasks required in each condition Exclusion Criteria: * No exclusion criteria

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Changes from baseline in the child's dietary intake reported by parents

Timeframe: Baseline, immediately after the intervention, 3 months after the intervention, 6 months after the intervention

Changes from baseline in parental feeding practices

Timeframe: Baseline, immediately after the intervention, 3 months after the intervention, 6 months after the intervention

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04591496

SponsorUniversity of Lisbon

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2023-12-31

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Parental Feeding Practices and Children's Healthy Diet trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Changes from baseline in the child's dietary intake reported by parents

Timeframe: Baseline, immediately after the intervention, 3 months after the intervention, 6 months after the intervention

Changes from baseline in parental feeding practices

Timeframe: Baseline, immediately after the intervention, 3 months after the intervention, 6 months after the intervention