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Children identify liking and healthiness of foods as factors influencing their food choices. However, the food decision making process is also influenced by both personal characteristics and food contexts. The present study explored the influence of liking and perceived healthiness of foods in normal- and overweight children's food choices intentions in a pleasure-oriented social eating context and a health-oriented social eating context. Children aged from 6 to 11 years old (n = 63; 34 children who were of normal weight and 29 who were overweight) were asked to select 5 foods among 10, based on food pictures, to make up a snack that would be suitable for their birthday party or a nutrition class. In addition, they rated their liking and healthiness perception of the foods. No significant difference in food choices was found between children who were of normal weight and children who were overweight. Both groups of children chose more healthy food items in a health-oriented social context (i.e., a fictive nutrition class) than in a pleasure-oriented social context (i.e., a fictive birthday party). Moreover, only liking significantly predicted food choices in the pleasure-oriented social context whereas both healthiness and liking significantly predicted food choices in the health-oriented social context. Overall these results advance our understanding on how children make food decisions and inform strategies that may help children to adopt a healthy diet. Because liking predicted children's food choices in both eating contexts, emphasizing the "good" taste of healthy foods and providing children with healthy foods they like could be efficient strategies to promote healthy eating habits in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building upon evidence linking socio-economic position (SEP) in childhood and adulthood with health-related behaviours (HRB) in adulthood, we examined how pre-adolescent SEP predicted membership of three HRB clusters: "Risky", "Moderate Smokers" and "Mainstream" (the latter pattern consisting of more beneficial HRBs), that were detected in our previous work. Data were taken from two British cohorts (born in 1958 and 1970) in pre-adolescence (age 11 and 10, respectively) and adulthood (age 33 and 34). SEP constructs in pre-adolescence and adulthood were derived through Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Conceptualised paths from pre-adolescent SEP to HRB cluster membership via adult SEP in our path models were tested for statistical significance separately by gender and cohort. Adult SEP mediated the path between pre-adolescent SEP and adult HRB clusters. More disadvantaged SEP in pre-adolescence predicted more disadvantaged SEP in adulthood which was associated with membership of the "Risky" and "Moderate Smokers" clusters compared to the "Mainstream" cluster. For example, large positive indirect effects between pre-adolescent SEP and adult HRB via adult SEP were present (coefficient 1958 Women = 0.39; 1970 Women = 0.36, 1958 Men = 0.51; 1970 Men = 0.39; p < 0.01) when comparing "Risky" and "Mainstream" cluster membership. Amongst men we found a small significant direct association (p < 0.001) between pre-adolescent SEP and HRB cluster membership. Our findings suggest that associations between adult SEP and HRBs are not likely to be pre-determined by earlier social circumstances, providing optimism for interventions relevant to reducing social gradients in HRBs. Observing consistent findings across the cohorts implies the social patterning of adult lifestyles may persist across time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption are key determinants of morbidity and mortality. These health behaviours often begin at a young age and track into adulthood, emphasising a need for interventions in children and young people. Previous research has demonstrated the potential effectiveness of behavioural incentive (BI) interventions in adults. However, little is known about their effectiveness in children and adolescents. Eight bibliographic databases were searched. Eligibility criteria included controlled trials using behavioural incentives (rewards provided contingent on successful performance of the target behaviour) as an intervention component for health behaviour change in children and adolescents. Intervention effects (standardised mean differences or odds ratios) were calculated and pooled by health behaviour, using a random effects model. Twenty-two studies were included (of n = 8392 identified), 19 of which were eligible for meta-analysis: physical activity (n = 8); healthier eating (n = 3); and smoking (n = 8). There was strong evidence that behavioural incentives may encourage healthier eating behaviours, some evidence that behavioural incentives were effective for encouraging physical activity behaviour, and limited evidence to support the use of behavioural incentives for smoking cessation and prevention in adolescents. Findings suggest that behavioural incentives may encourage uptake and initiation of healthy eating and physical activity in young people. However, this is a limited evidence base and a wide range of incentive designs have yet to be explored. Future research should further investigate the acceptability of these intervention approaches for young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toothbrush training is a complex and not fun task for the child nor for the parents or for the dental stuff. Parents and hygienists often report that they are frustrated by poor responses to the training and in most of cases children go home and resume wrong brushing habits, if any. In this paper we present a novel approach where the tooth brushing procedure can become a fun and enjoyable task for kids using a cheap toothbrush accessory and a tablet or a smartphone. The main idea is to apply a simple and cheap 3D colored target at the end of the toothbrush and to track and analyze its motion, imparted by the child. In particular, from the tablet camera it is possible to track both the toothbrush target and the child’s facial parts in order to estimate the brushed dental side. The proposed approach has been tested on seven kids showing good results both in propensity and accuracy after a 20 days period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: Little is known about how health behaviors such as physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors (SB) may be associated with psychosocial well-being during the crucial early childhood period. The aim of this study was to undertake a systematic review of associations between PA, SB and psychosocial well-being during early childhood. Methods: In February 2013, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus and Embase electronic databases were searched. Inclusion criteria were: 1. peer-reviewed publication since 1980 in English; 2. children aged birth–5years; 3. PA or SB measured during early childhood; 4. an indicator of child psychosocial well-being; and 5. association between PA/SB and psychosocial well-being reported. Studies could be observational or interventions. Data were extracted by one author and entered into a standardized form in February and March 2013. Results: 19 studies were identified: four examined PA, 13 examined SB and two examined PA and SB. No interventions met the inclusion criteria; all included studies were observational. In total, 21 indicators of psychosocial well-being were examined, 13 only once with the remaining eight reported in more than one study. Some dose–response evidence was identified suggesting that PA is positively, and SB inversely, associated with psychosocial well-being. Conclusions: Too few studies exist to draw conclusions regarding associations. Future high-quality cohort and intervention studies are warranted particularly investigating dose–response associations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of school-based nutrition education interventions in reducing or preventing overweight and obesity among children and adolescents. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of 14 databases until May 2010 and cross-reference check in 8 systematic reviews (SRs) for studies published that described randomized controlled trials conducted in schools to reduce or prevent overweight in children and adolescents. An additional search was carried out using PubMed for papers published through May 2012, and no further papers were identified. Body mass index (BMI) was the primary outcome. The title and abstract review and the quality assessment were performed independently by two researchers. The software EPPI-Reviewer3 was used to store, manage and analyze all data. This SR is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00985972). Results: From the 4888 references initially retrieved, only 8 met the eligibility criteria for a random-effects meta-analysis. The total population consisted of 8722 children and adolescents. Across the studies, there was an average treatment effect of −0.33kg/m2 (−0.55, −0.11 95% CI) on BMI, with 84% of this effect explained by the highest quality studies. Conclusion: This systematic review provides evidence that school-based nutrition education interventions are effective in reducing the BMI of children and adolescents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the impact of a multi-component school-based physical activity intervention (Fit-4-Fun) on health-related fitness and objectively measured physical activity in primary school children. Methods: Four Hunter primary schools were recruited in April, 2011 and randomized by school into treatment or control conditions. Participants included 213 children (mean age=10.72years±0.6; 52.2% female) with the treatment group (n=118) completing the 8-week Fit-4-Fun Program. Participants were assessed at baseline and 6-month follow-up, with a 91% retention rate. Cardio-respiratory fitness (CRF) (20m shuttle run) was the primary outcome, and secondary outcomes included body composition (BMI, BMIZ), muscular fitness (7-stage sit-up test, push-up test, basketball throw test, Standing Jump), flexibility (sit and reach) and physical activity (7days pedometry). Results: After 6-months, significant treatment effects were found for CRF (adjusted mean difference, 1.14 levels, p<0.001), body composition (BMI mean, −0.96kg/m2, p<0.001 and BMI z-score mean −0.47 z-scores, p<0.001), flexibility (sit and reach mean, 1.52cm, p=0.0013), muscular fitness (sit-ups) (mean 0.62 stages, p=0.003) and physical activity (mean, 3253 steps/day, p<0.001). There were no group by time effects for the other muscular fitness measures. Conclusions: A primary school-based intervention focusing on fitness education significantly improved health-related fitness and physical activity levels in children. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To investigate if students who use of Active Transportation (AT) to and from school among urban and rural Canadian children are more likely to meet physical activity recommendations. Methods: The Raising healthy Eating and Active Living in Alberta (REAL Kids Alberta) study is a population-based health survey among Grade 5 students. In 2009, physical activity levels were measured using time-stamped pedometers (number of steps/hour) among 688 children. Parents reported mode of transportation to and from school (AT/non-AT). Multilevel multiple linear regression analyses with corresponding β coefficients were conducted to quantify the relationship between mode of transportation to and from school with (1) overall step count, and (2) the likelihood of achieving at least 13,500 steps per day recommended for optimal growth and development. Results: Among urban children, those who used AT to and from school accumulated more steps [β=1124(95% CI=170,2077)] and although not significant, were more likely to achieve the recommended 13,500 steps/day compared to those not using AT to and from school [OR=1.61(95% CI=0.93,2.81)]. Conclusion: Using AT to and from school appears to be beneficial to children by supplementing their physical activity, particularly those living in urban regions. Strategies to promote physical activity are needed, particular for children residing in rural regions and smaller towns. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Following a workshop on infant feeding held at the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen on March 17, 2010 experts were invited to exchange ideas and to review evidence on both pre and post natal dietary environments in shaping children''s eating habits. A central theme during the workshop was the idea of “sensitive periods” during infancy for learning about foods and a particular focus was developed around acceptance and intake of fruits and vegetables. Presentations covered the guidelines provided by various governments on how to feed infants during weaning; the importance of the in utero experience; the impact of varying the sensory experience at weaning; the effect of parenting styles and practices on children''s eating habits; the use of visual experience in promoting intake of vegetables; and reports from mothers regarding their decisions about weaning and the introduction of vegetables. This collection of papers seeks to review guidance from governments on feeding infants and to consider current evidence on parental feeding practices with the aim of enhancing insight into best practice in establishing healthy eating in children. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Few studies have examined in detail weaning practices and how mothers introduce vegetables into the diets of their infants. The current exploratory study set out to use both qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate approaches to nutrition in the weaning period and in early infancy with a particular focus on vegetables. 75 mothers of infants aged 24–72 weeks filled out a postal questionnaire regarding infant feeding during the weaning period. Mothers completed the infant feeding questionnaire (IFQ) and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to measure familial fruit and vegetable intake. Mothers introduced solid food to their infants at around 20 weeks of age and those who breast-fed their infants tended to introduce solid foods later compared to formula feeding mothers (21 wks versus 17.8 wks, p <0.05). Infants were offered around 3 different types of vegetable during the first 4 weeks of weaning. 13 mothers then took part in a follow-up in-depth interview. Mothers reported that they relied upon advice from family and friends and their interpretation of cues from their infants indicating the readiness for food, rather than relying on official guidelines. Mothers demonstrated high concern about the nutrient quality of their child''s diet and perceived vegetables to be an integral part of the diet. A number of strategies for promoting vegetable intake were identified by mothers, offering vegetables by stealth was one of the most commonly identified strategies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Weaning (i.e. introduction of complementary foods) is a transitional process between the consumption of a unique food, milk, and family foods. This review of existing literature regarding factors favouring the development of food acceptance at the beginning of weaning underlines in particular the roles of repeated exposure, of introduction of a variety of foods, of timing of introduction of weaning foods, and of food sensory properties (texture, taste and flavours). All factors appear to play a role in the acceptance of weaning foods. The efficiency, most favourable windows and long-term impact of each of these factors is not known accurately. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the contribution of a broad range of maternal feeding practices in predicting parental reports of food avoidance eating behaviours in young children, after controlling for child temperament, and maternal dietary restraint which have previously been associated with feeding problems. One hundred and four mothers of children aged between 3 and 6 years completed self report measures of their child''s eating behaviour and temperament, maternal dietary restraint and child feeding practices. Maternal reports of food avoidance eating behaviours were associated with an emotional child temperament, high levels of maternal feeding control, using food for behaviour regulation and low encouragement of a balanced and varied food intake. Maternal feeding practices, predominantly pressure to eat, significantly predicted food avoidance eating behaviours after controlling for child emotionality and maternal dietary restraint. The significant contribution of maternal feeding practices, which are potentially modifiable behaviours, suggests that the feeding interactions of parents and their children should be targeted for intervention and the prevention of feeding difficulties during early childhood. Future research should continue to explore how a broader range of feeding practices, particular those that may be more adaptive, might influence child eating behaviour. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to explore the parent feeding practice of using food to soothe infant/toddler distress and its relationship to child weight status. Seventy eight families with infants and toddlers (43 males) ranging in age from 3 to 34 months (M =14 mos, SD=9 mos) completed a survey which included questions on their use of food to soothe, questionnaires on parent feeding practices, parenting self-efficacy, child temperament and child''s weight and length at the time of their last well-baby visit. Results revealed the use of food to soothe to be a valid construct. In addition, mothers who used food to soothe rated themselves lower in parenting self-efficacy and their children higher in temperamental negativity. Analyses examining weight status as the outcome variable revealed that mothers who reported the use of food to soothe had heavier children, however, this relationship was stronger for children rated as high in temperamental negativity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Parental feeding behaviours are considered major influences on children''s eating behaviour. However, many questionnaire studies of feeding neglect subtle distinctions between specific feeding strategies and practices in favour of eliciting general feeding goals, and do not take account of the context provided by parents’ motivations. These factors may be critical to understanding child outcomes and engaging parents in child obesity prevention. The present study obtained interview and diary data on specific feeding behaviours and underlying motivations from 22 mothers of predominantly healthy weight 3–5y olds in the UK. Parents described a wide range of efforts to promote or restrict intake that were largely motivated by practical and health considerations and only rarely by concern about weight. There was also evidence for instrumental feeding, rules surrounding meal-time, child involvement, and parental flexibility in relation to feeding. Almost all parents described responding to children''s appetitive traits, consistent with growing evidence for genetically influenced individual differences in children''s appetite. These findings suggest that in order to engage parents of currently healthy weight children, obesity prevention advice should aim to satisfy their primary motivations (practicality, health), and be framed as helping parents to respond sensitively and appropriately to different children''s characteristics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To explore the views of British 10–11year old children towards reducing their screen-viewing and their screen-viewing reduction strategies. Method: 10 focus groups were conducted with 55 10–11year old children (30 girls, 25 boys) in Bristol (UK) in 2010. Data were transcribed and transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Three main themes were developed: Reaction to Reduction; Reduction: What, when and what else instead?; and Strategies to reduce screen-viewing. Participants reacted largely positively to reducing their screen-viewing although enjoyment, established routines and favourite TV programmes presented barriers. A range of screen-viewing modes were put forward as candidates for reduction and participants believed they would replace screen-viewing with both physically active and non-screen sedentary behaviours. Reduction strategies identified comprised the provision of alternative activities, facilities and after school clubs, peer-led educational interventions, behavioural strategies such as the use of rewards, charts and time limits which involved children''s parents and parent–child collaboration. Unexpectedly, participants identified the focus group itself as a means of encouraging self-reflection and initiating change. Conclusion: Children appeared open to screen-viewing reduction and identified the strategies that they may respond to best. This can inform the development of interventions designed to reduce screen-viewing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: Quantify moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and its correlates in preschool children during outdoor unstructured play periods using direct observation. Methods: Cross-sectional data consisting of 204 observation periods collected from 51 four- and five-year-old children using the Observation System for Recording Physical Activity in Children — Preschool (OSRAC-P) at a preschool in southern California, autumn and spring 2009–2010. Gender and BMI classification and OSRAC-P environmental codes were related to observed MVPA in multiple logistic regression models. Results: Less than 21% of intervals were spent in MVPA overall. Boys and normal weight children engaged in higher intensity levels than their respective counterparts. More MVPA was associated with normal weight (OR =2.49–3.25, R 2 =3%), location (grass, playground, looping cycle path; OR =3.21–4.90, R 2 =4–12%), play context (ball/objects, wheel, open space; OR =2.78–8.51, R 2 =9%), and group composition (solitary, one-on-one; OR =1.34–2.08, R 2 =1%). Conclusion: Open spaces located in playgrounds and grass fields, and activity-genic portable equipment, manipulative objects, and riding vehicles are some design and equipment features that appear to foster MVPA. Lowering play space density and engaging children through teacher prompts and teacher-arranged activities may further increase MVPA on playgrounds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: To examine whether children compensate for participating in physically active behaviors by reducing activity at other times (the ‘activitystat’ hypothesis); or alternatively become more active at other times (activity synergy). Methods: In 2002–2006, 345 British children (8–13years) completed activity diaries and wore accelerometers. This generated 1077days of data which we analyzed between-children (comparing all days) and within-child (comparing days from the same child). Results: On week and weekend days, each extra 1% of time in PE/games, school breaks, school active travel, non-school active travel, structured sports and out-of-home play predicted a 0.21 to 0.60% increase in the proportion of the day in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). None of these behaviors showed evidence of reduced MVPA at other times, i.e. activity compensation (all p>0.15). Moreover, each 1% increase in weekday non-school active travel predicted 0.38% more time in MVPA at other times (95% CI 0.18, 0.58). This activity synergy reflected children using active travel for playing and visiting friends. Conclusions: Contrary to the ‘activitystat’ hypothesis, we found no evidence of activity compensation. This suggests that interventions increasing activity in specific behaviors may increase activity overall. The activity synergy of non-school active travel underlines the need for further research into this neglected behavior. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Food marketing influences children''s food preferences and consumption and is important to consider in the prevention of child obesity. In this paper, health messages in commercials during children''s peak viewing times were analysed by examining how food is articulated in the health discourse. In total, 82 food commercials from 66h of television recordings of the most popular commercial channels with children in Sweden (TV3, TV4 and Channel 5) were analysed with discourse theoretical tools according to Laclau and Mouffe and with a focus on rhetoric. Physical, mental and social health aspects were present in 71% of the commercials. Three health discourse types; a medical (food as protection and treatment), a hedonic (food as feeling good) and a social discourse type (food as caring) were discerned. In relation to these, the heart symbol, lifestyle associations and nature/the natural were elements that could be interpreted in different ways. Moreover, foods carrying unhealthy associations were promoted in the health discourse and presented as especially healthy by offensive rhetoric. The analysis raises awareness of the prevailing health messages in food marketing. Children and parents should be encouraged to develop their critical thinking about television food advertising and how it may influence social norms and dietary practices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To assess the long-term effectiveness of a school-based health education intervention program 10 years after its initiation. Method: In 1992 the total population of first grade students from three counties of Crete participated in the study. Over 1000 students were randomly selected for initial and periodic evaluation. Biochemical and behavioural parameters (anthropometric, lipoproteins, blood pressure, physical activity, dietary record and health habits) were measured. Re-evaluation of the program was performed at 3, 6 and 10years after its initiation. Results: Ten years after the initiation of the program, the results showed that BMI had increased significantly less (p <0.001) and performance in the shuttle run test was significantly better (p <0.001) in the intervention group as compared to the control group. The reduction in total cholesterol noted in both groups was significantly greater in the intervention group than in the control group (p <0.001). The incidence of smoking was also significantly lower in the intervention group (intervention group 7%, control group 13%, p <0.005). Conclusion: This program appears to improve children''s health and decrease risk factors for chronic diseases. If these positive effects are maintained in the forthcoming decades, the risk of chronic diseases may well be reduced. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To determine the relationship between family child care home (FCCH) practices and characteristics, and objectively measured physical activity (PA) among children attending FCCHs. Methods: FCCH practices and characteristics were assessed in 45 FCCHs in Oregon (USA) in 2010–2011 using the Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care Instrument. Within the 45 FCCHs, 136 children between ages 2 and 5 years wore an accelerometer during child care attendance over a one-week period. Time spent in light, moderate, and vigorous PA per hour was calculated using intensity-related cut-points (Pate et al., 2006). Results: FCCH characteristics and practices associated with higher levels of PA (min/h; p<0.05) included provision of sufficient outdoor active play [32.2 (1.0) vs. 28.6 (1.3)], active play using portable play equipment [31.7 (1.0) vs. 29.3 (1.4)], the presence of a variety of fixed play equipment [32.2 (1.0) vs. 28.9 (1.3)], and suitable indoor play space [32.2 (1.0) vs. 28.6 (1.3)], engaging in active play with children [32.1 (1.1) vs. 29.6 (1.2)], and receiving activity-related training [33.1 (1.2) vs. 30.3 (1.1)]. Conclusions: This is the first study to identify practices and characteristics of FCCHs that influence children's PA. These data should be considered when developing programs and policies to promote PA in FCCHs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Purpose: To describe changes in mode of commuting to school among Australia students between 2004 and 2010 and in relation to body mass index (BMI) and cardio respiratory fitness. Methods: Representative cross-sectional survey of school children in grades 6, 8 and 10 in 2004 (n=2750) and 2010 (n=4273). Information on how many days students use active and passive travel modes to and from school and measured BMI and cardio-respiratory fitness test were collected as part of the New South Wales (NSW) Schools Physical Activity and Nutrition Surveys (SPANS). Results: Active travel to school remained stable between 2004 and 2010, although there was a small increase in minutes spent on active travel. There was no association between active travel and body mass index. In 2010 there was a significant association between frequent car use and low cardio-respiratory fitness (adjusted OR=1.7, CI 1.3-2.1). Conclusion: It is a positive finding that the generational decline in active travel may have levelled out. Student inactivity associated with regular car use is plausibly related to lower cardio-respiratory fitness, but active commuting may not be of sufficient energy expenditure to impact upon BMI. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To examine the tracking of children''s body mass index, television viewing, and dietary intake over five-years. Methods: In 2002/3 (T1) parents of children aged 5–6years (n=175) and 10–12years (n=121), from Victoria, Australia, completed measures assessing their child''s frequency of fruit, vegetable, and energy-dense sweet and savory snack consumption, and their child''s television (TV) viewing. Children''s height and weight were measured by researchers and sex–age adjusted body mass index (BMI) calculated. All measures were repeated in 2006 (T2) and 2008 (T3). Generalized estimating equations (GEE) (standardized stability coefficients, β) were used to assess tracking and were interpreted as: β <0.3=low, 0.3–0.6=moderate, and >0.6=high. Results: High standardized stability coefficients were found for BMI (β=0.74–0.92), TV viewing (β=0.65–0.73), and frequency of fruit consumption (β=0.73–0.89) among younger and older children. Moderate-to-high standardized stability coefficients were found for frequency of vegetable (β=0.52–0.86), energy-dense sweet (β=0.41–0.65), and savory snack consumption (0.40–0.67) among younger and older children. Conclusions: BMI, TV viewing and dietary intake patterns are moderate-highly stable throughout childhood and into adolescence. Further research that identifies and targets high risk groups to prevent increased BMI, reduce TV viewing and promote healthy dietary behaviors may be justified. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Children's fruit and vegetable consumption is lower than recommended. Increasing consumption is important for children's health. Nudges influence children's eating behaviour, but less is known about the influence of a pictorial nudge on tableware on children's fruit and vegetable consumption. Two studies examined this. Study 1 examined whether a pictorial fruit nudge (a grape image) on a plate influenced children's fruit (grape) consumption relative to a control condition (no image). In a between-subjects design, children (n = 63, Mean age = 8.9 years, SD = 1.41, 38 females, 25 males, 73% had a healthy-weight) were randomly assigned to one of two conditions (fruit nudge vs. control). Study 2 examined the influence of a large portion pictorial nudge (a large portion carrot image) vs. a small portion pictorial nudge (a small portion carrot image) vs. control (no nudge) on children's vegetable (carrot) consumption. In a between-subjects design, children (n = 59, Mean age = 8.57 years, SD = 2.13, 31 females, 28 males, 85% had a healthy-weight) were randomly assigned to a condition. In Study 1 children consumed significantly more fruit in the pictorial nudge condition than the control condition. In Study 2 children ate significantly more vegetables in the large portion pictorial nudge condition than the other two conditions. The small portion pictorial nudge did not affect children's vegetable consumption relative to control. The results indicate that pictorial nudges on tableware influence children's fruit and vegetable consumption, and the portion size of this type of nudge may be key to whether it influences children's eating behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this review was to summarize associations between ecological momentary assessment (EMA)-measured contextual factors and eating and dietary intake behaviors in children and adolescents. The inclusion criteria were availability of the study in English and use of EMA to study eating and dietary intake behaviors among children and/or adolescents (ages<18). Literature searches were conducted in PsycInfo and PubMed databases across all dates until December 2018. A modified Checklist for Reporting EMA Studies was used to assess quality of studies. Eighteen articles from 15 independent studies were included in the systematic review. Contextual factors examined in relation to children's eating in studies included affect and stress; cognitive factors; social and environment factors; behavioral factors; and caregiver-related factors. Studies suggested there is strong evidence that cognitive and social factors have an effect on eating and dietary intake behaviors while the association between affect and eating and dietary intake behaviors remains mixed. Future studies should consider timing of effects, measure choice, individual difference and contextual factors, and developmental context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]