A Digital Intervention to Promote Preschool Nutrition and Activity: The eHEROs Study

Utilizing Digital Health Approaches to Promote Early Childhood Healthy Eating and Activity Behaviors

The purpose of this pilot study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the Know-How program, a 10-week digital intervention for families of young children promoting healthy eating and activity behaviors and environments.

The purpose of this pilot study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the KnowHow program, a 10-week digital intervention for families of young children promoting healthy eating and activity behaviors and environments. The KnowHow program, which provides parent education on the topics of mindful parenting, healthy eating, and physical literacy, consists of three components: 1) a custom mobile application (app), 2) virtual group discussions, and 3) child-centered support materials mailed to participating families. The study will include an intervention group and a delayed control group. Feasibility of the digital intervention will be assessed at post-test only by recruitment, retention, usability, and acceptability. Implementation outcomes include measures of digital engagement, enactment, and intention to sustain, and will be collected at post-test only. Theoretical mediators include parent self-efficacy and behavioral capability and will be collected pre- and post-test. Behavioral outcomes, also collected at pre- and post-test, include mindful parenting, parent-child feeding practices, and physical activity parenting practices. Study assessments for the theoretical mediators and behavioral outcomes will be collected at Baseline (Time 1, pre-intervention) and at Post-Test (Time 2, post-intervention) at the same time for both groups. No additional assessments will be collected for the delayed control group at the conclusion of implementation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants must have a preschool-aged child (3-5 years) with no disabilities or conditions that impact typical eating and activity behaviors.
• Adult participants must have access to a smartphone, reliable internet at home, and can make video calls.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Adults who do not have a child aged 3-5 or child has a disability/condition that impact typical eating and activity behaviors.
• Technology access is limited.
• Adults who read, write or speak a language other than English.