Exploring grandparents’ receptivity to and preferences for a grandchild nutrition-focused intervention: A qualitative study

Abstract

Objective: Interventions promoting healthy eating in children typically overlook the critical role of grandparent caregivers. Utilising a co-design approach, this study (i) assessed the receptiveness of grandparents to a nutrition-focused resource aimed at promoting healthy eating in their grandchildren and (ii) explored grandparents’ preferences for resource delivery and dissemination. Methods: Seventy-nine grandparents (58% female; mean age=69.37 years) who were secondary carers to a grandchild aged 3-12 years participated in one of 10 focus groups. Focus group transcripts were imported into NVivo for coding and semantic thematic analysis. Results: The vast majority of focus groups (n=9) were receptive to receiving a nutrition-focused resource. Participants indicated that such a resource should contain strategies that help grandparents promote healthy eating in their grandchildren rather than outline what grandchildren should be fed. A range of delivery (pamphlets, seminars and fridge magnets) and dissemination (online, email) methods were suggested. Conclusions: A nutrition resource that equips grandparents with the strategies they need to promote healthy eating in their grandchildren would likely be welcomed. Implications for public health: Results provide program developers with the preliminary information required to tailor childhood lifestyle interventions to the needs of grandparents, thus helping increase acceptability and uptake.