Journal of Public Health Dentistry
Volume 79, Issue 3, 2019, Pages 207-214

Modifying dietary risk behaviors to prevent obesity and dental caries in very young children: results of the Baby Steps to Health pediatric dental pilot (Article)

Chomitz V.R.* , Park H.J. , Koch-Weser S. , Chui K.K.H. , Sun L. , Malone M.E. , Palmer C. , Loo C.Y. , Must A.
  • a Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States
  • b Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States, Department of Pediatrics, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
  • c Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
  • d Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
  • e Department of Pediatric Nutrition, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, United States
  • f Betsy Lehman Center for Patient Safety, Boston, MA, United States
  • g Department of Comprehensive Care, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
  • h Department of Pediatrics, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
  • i Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the design, feasibility, and acceptability of a theory-informed obesity and dental caries prevention pilot study, Baby Steps to Health, conducted in an academic dental clinic among a primarily Asian immigrant population. Methods: Baby Steps used self-determination theory and behavioral motivation strategies for a caregiver/child (6–36 months) nutrition and oral health behavior change intervention implemented in a pediatric dental clinic. Caregivers completed a dietary practice assessment to identify risk behaviors and potential courses of action. With assistance from dental providers, caregiver responses were matched to customized dietary behavioral guidance and a behavior change goal to reinforce caregivers' autonomous motivation to improve feeding practices. A 1-month, post-visit phone caregiver interview assessed adherence to the behavioral goal(s) and solicited qualitative input for further program development. Results: Fifty caregivers (82 percent Asian) participated in the initial visit, and 46 (92 percent) participated in the follow-up interview. Reported obesogenic/cariogenic risk behaviors were prevalent: 57 percent of bottle-fed children consumed non-water beverages in bottles to aid sleep and 38 percent of parents offered snacks ad libitum. At follow-up, 93 percent of caregivers who selected goals reported positive behavior change and 91 percent said they would participate in a similar future program. Conclusions: Tailored guidance delivered in a program that uses self-determination theory may represent a strategic use of the dental encounter to impart actionable information and motivate health-related behavior change for families with very young children. Partnerships between dental and nutrition professionals offer opportunities to address key dietary behaviors that may prevent obesity and improve oral health, particularly among at-risk children. © 2019 American Association of Public Health Dentistry

Author Keywords

Oral health motivational interviewing feeding behavior pediatric dentistry dental caries prevention and control nutrition intervention obesity prevention and control

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85061964161&doi=10.1111%2fjphd.12311&partnerID=40&md5=c137ffc6a3f10bd8e67f4215694836b4
DOI: 10.1111/jphd.12311
ISSN: 00224006
Cited by: 1
Original Language: English