A qualitative study of the factors that influence mothers when choosing drinks for their young children

Abstract

BackgroundThe consumption of sweetened beverages is a known common risk factor for the development of obesity and dental caries in children and children consume sweet drinks frequently and in large volumes from an early age. The aim of this study was to examine factors that influence mothers when choosing drinks for their children.MethodSemi-structured interviews (n = 32) were conducted with a purposive sample of mothers of young children from Victoria’s Barwon South Western Region (selected from a larger cohort study to include families consuming different types of water, and different socioeconomic status and size). Inductive thematic analysis was conducted on transcribed interviews.ResultsSeveral themes emerged as influencing child drink choice. Child age: Water was the main beverage for the youngest child however it was seen as more acceptable to give older children sweetened beverages. Child preference and temperament: influencing when and if sweet drinks were given; Family influences such as grandparents increased children’s consumption of sweet drinks, often providing children drinks such as fruit juice and soft drinks regardless of maternal disapproval. The Setting: children were more likely to be offered sweetened drinks either as a reward or treat for good behaviour or when out shopping, out for dinner or at parties.ConclusionsLimiting intake of sweet drinks is considered an important step for child general and oral health. However, the choice of drinks for children has influences from social, environmental and behavioural domains, indicating that a multi-strategy approach is required to bring about this change.

African-American and Hispanic children's beverage intake: Differences in associations with desire to drink, fathers' feeding practices, and weight concerns

“…Usually, palatable and high energy foods are offered in the context of these practices (Saxton, Carnell, van Jaarsveld, & Wardle, 2009). Among young children up to 12 months in age, sweetened drinks were more likely to be offered as a reward or as a treat for good behavior (Hoare et al, 2014). Similarly, sweets (i.e., candy, ice cream), nuts, and savory snacks were more frequently offered as rewards to children aged 4-12 years (Raaijmakers, Gevers, Teuscher, Kremers, & van Assema, 2014).…”

Choosing foods for infants: a qualitative study of the factors that influence mothers

“…The initial process of analysis for all the research topics explored in this study (‘drink choice and water quality’, ‘food choice’ and ‘oral health’) has previously been described and published (Hoare et al . ; Virgo‐Milton et al . ).…”

“…This phase commenced 12 months after the initial analysis previously described and published (Hoare et al . ; Virgo‐Milton et al . ).…”

“…Inductive thematic content analysis was performed with each transcript (Pope et al 2000). The initial process of analysis for all the research topics explored in this study ('drink choice and water quality', 'food choice' and 'oral health') has previously been described and published (Hoare et al 2014;Virgo-Milton et al 2015). The final phase of analysis for the research topic explored in this paper (food choice) was undertaken by one researcher (first author).…”

Caregiver experiences, attitudes and perceptions about feeding toddlers and preschool children in Switzerland: a qualitative study

“…How caregivers determine beverage portion sizes, and caregiver attitudes towards fitting beverages into the diets of very young children has not been widely studied outside of the U.S. [15][16][17].…”