Caregiver family nutrition and physical activity (FNPA) score changes after a childhood obesity prevention program

The purpose of the current study was to determine the effectiveness of two community-based nutrition education programs [Preventing Childhood Obesity (PCOP) and Parents Learn About Thoughtful Eating (PLATE)] targeting caregivers of preschool children to decrease the prevalence or prevent childhood obesity by improving the environment around the child. A pre- and post-test design with no comparison group was used. Each intervention had 5 to 6 lessons over a 9 month period. Fifty-six caregivers attended at least one of the six PCOP lessons. Thirty-eight caregivers attended at least one of the five PLATE lessons. There was a positive but not significant correlation between attendance and change in the Family Nutrition and Physical Activity (FNPA) (rho=0.45, p=0.058, n=18). A higher FNPA score means a less obesogenic environment. Caregivers who attended the programs had a non-significant improvement in the environment as measured by the FNPA.