Parent-Focused Nutrition and Feeding Education on Maternal Picky Eating and Food Refusal

NCT07892352 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: No:61351342/020-1591, 31.10.25
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 202
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aimed to examine the relationship between nutrition education programs directed at mothers and food refusal observed in preschool children, maternal picky eating behaviors, and maternal feeding practices. The study was conducted in a public preschool institution affiliated with the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education. The study sample consisted of 202 children aged 3-6 years attending the preschool where the study was carried out, and their mothers. Data were collected using a Sociodemographic Information Form, a Nutrition Habits Information Form, the Adult Picky Eating Scale, and the Child Food Refusal Scale. Participants were determined using purposive sampling and were randomly assigned to either an education group (n₁ = 101) or a control group (n₂ = 101). Pre-tests were administered to both groups at the beginning of the study. Following the pre-test, the education group received training on picky eating and food refusal once a week for four weeks, consisting of four sessions lasting 30-45 minutes each. No education or information was provided to the control group. Data collection tools were administered to both groups before and after the intervention.

Conditions

Picky Eating; Feeding Behavior; Feeding Practices

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Child Food Refusal Scale Scores

  Food refusal behaviors in preschool children were assessed using the Child Food Refusal Scale before and after the educational intervention. Changes in scale scores were evaluated to assess the effects of the parent-focused nutrition and feeding education program.

  Baseline and Week 4 (post-intervention)

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Adult Picky Eating Scale Scores

  Baseline and Week 4 (post-intervention)

Study Arms (2)

Parent-Focused Nutrition and Feeding Education Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in the intervention group received parent-focused nutrition and feeding education designed to improve maternal feeding practices and reduce picky eating and food refusal behaviors in preschool children.

Behavioral: Parent-Focused Nutrition and Feeding Education

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Participants in the control group did not receive the parent-focused nutrition and feeding education intervention during the study period. Outcome measures were assessed for comparison with the intervention group.

Interventions

Parent-Focused Nutrition and Feeding Education BEHAVIORAL

The intervention group received a structured parent-focused nutrition and feeding education program over four weeks. The program consisted of four educational sessions, delivered once a week, with each session lasting approximately 30-45 minutes. The educational content covered four main topics: The importance of adequate and balanced nutrition in preschool children. Food neophobia and picky eating in early childhood. The role of mothers in shaping food preferences and food choices among preschool children. Key considerations for parents in managing and supporting healthy eating behaviors in children. The educational program aimed to improve maternal knowledge and feeding practices and to support the management of picky eating and food refusal behaviors in preschool children.

Parent-Focused Nutrition and Feeding Education Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 27 Years - 58 Years
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Being a parent of a child aged 3-6 years. Having a child enrolled in the preschool institution where the study was conducted.
• Being literate.
• Providing written informed consent to participate in the study.
• Having no diagnosed psychiatric disorder.
• Having no diagnosed eating disorder.

You may not qualify if:

• Having a child outside the 3-6-year age range.
• Not providing written informed consent.
• Having a diagnosed psychiatric disorder.
• Using psychiatric medications.
• Having a diagnosed eating disorder.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Çankırı Karatekin University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Sehit Ibrahim Yilmaz Kindergarten

Istanbul, Zeytinburnu, 18600, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Food Fussiness; Feeding Behavior

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavior; Behavior, Animal

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assoc. Prof.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: October 17, 2026
• First Posted: October 23, 2026
• Study Start: December 6, 2025
• Primary Completion: January 20, 2026
• Study Completion: January 30, 2026
• Last Updated: October 23, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-10

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)