The Need for an Evidence-Based Program in Sweden to Support Parents to Create Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors from the Start of Life-Parental Perceptions

In Sweden, there have been no interventions promoting the development of healthy lifestyle behaviors starting in infancy. Thus this paper aims to: (i) investigate Swedish parents experiences regarding feeding of solid foods, screen time, and physical activity in healthy infants; (ii) investigate parents needs and perceptions regarding information/support provided in primary child healthcare (CHC) and (iii) explore whether a parenting program focused on child diet and active play would be relevant and utilized. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 parents. These were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Seven themes emerged: Feeling excited to enter a new phase; Parents responsibility of doing it "right" can be stressful; Motivated to learn during specific time windows; Information to trust; The importance of social support from peers; Experiences of support received from CHC; and the Infant, Feeding, Activity, and Nutrition Trial (INFANT) for a Swedish context. Parents were excited to enter new phases in their childs development. However, this came with worry they were doing things "right", leading parents to want more information/support. Overall, Swedish parents were very positive about the prospects of engaging in a primary CHC delivered program to support them to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors from birth and felt this could complement the care currently provided.
Funding Agencies|Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare (FORTE) [2018-01137]; Bo and Vera Ax:son Johnssons Foundation; Karolinska InstitutetKarolinska Institutet [2020-02063]; Australian Research Council Future FellowshipAustralian Research Council [FT130100637]