Development and initial qualitative evaluation of a novel school-based nutrition intervention - COOKKIT (Cooking Kit...

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Public Health
• Childhood Obesity Prevention

Background:

• Excess weight and poor diet are cancer risk factors, disproportionately affecting low-income families in high-income countries.
• Existing dietary interventions for children (under 11) often fail to bridge classroom learning with home-based practices.
• This study explores home cooking and eating attitudes to enhance healthy eating engagement via the COOKKIT intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess attitudes and approaches to home cooking and eating among low-income families.
• To evaluate the potential of the COOKKIT intervention to improve healthy eating behaviors.
• To inform the development of effective, home-transferable dietary interventions for children.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interviews with teachers and parent-child dyads in UK primary schools.
• Development of the COOKKIT intervention, including weekly cooking classes and supportive materials.
• Post-intervention focus groups with children (8-9 y/o) and interviews with staff and parents.

Main Results:

• Thematic analysis revealed key themes: family food planning/shopping involvement, home meal preparation engagement, shared healthy meals, role-modeling, and balancing practicalities in classes.
• COOKKIT provided engaging, easy-to-follow resources for children and staff.
• Take-home kits facilitated continued engagement and reinforced classroom learning at home.

Conclusions:

• COOKKIT shows potential for sustained healthy eating practices in low-income families.
• The intervention's success lies in combining healthy eating information, practical skills, and affordability.
• Further evaluation of the COOKKIT intervention is recommended to confirm long-term impact.