The Southside Simple Suppers Scale-Up (S4): Effects of a Family Meals Program on Head Start Caregivers. (29th May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sharn, Amy; May, Leah; Westrick, Miranda; Walther, Ashley; Gunther, Carolyn
• Is Part Of: Current developments in nutrition. Volume 4(2020)Supplement 2
• Page Start: 279
• Page End: 279
• Publication Date: 2020-05-29
• Subjects: Nutrition -- Periodicals; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Nutrition; Periodicals; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 612.3
• DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzaa043_130
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2475-2991

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: Assess the impact of an 8-week Head Start family meals intervention (Simple Suppers) on participating caregiver's weight status and health outcomes. Methods: This is a single arm pre- to post-test study. The intervention is occurring during the 2019–20 school year (fall, winter, and spring sessions) at 3 Head Start sites. Caregiver outcomes include: BMI (kg/m 2 ), waist circumference (cm), blood pressure (mm Hg), and mental health measures (depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)), and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7))). Regression models factoring in attendance will be used to examine pre- to post-test changes. Results: Nineteen caregivers completed data collection for the fall session. 55.6% of families were low-income and 21.1% had low/very low food security. Mean (SD) caregiver age was 37.6 (12.1) yr, 94.7% were female, and 84.2% were non-Hispanic Black. There were no significant changes in BMI, blood pressure, waist circumference, depression, or perceived stress from pre- to post-test according to attendance level, however anxiety significantly decreased with increasing attendance ( P < 0.05). Data collection for the remaining sessions will be completed in spring 2020. Conclusions: This study can be expected to have a positive impact by understanding the role of healthy family mealtime routines in caregiver's physical and mental health among racial minorities residing in low-income households. Funding Sources: USDA NIFA.