Peer-reviewed article
Applying Social Cognitive Theory to Understand Perspectives on Child Feeding Practices of Thai Female Caregivers With Young Children With Stunting
Thanit Vinitchagoon, Yaowalak Rooppat, Pornpan Sukboon, Takdanai Limvilai, Nuttaranuch Sivaboonyawong et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-sonnet-5-5This qualitative study looked at what shapes the feeding practices of Thai female caregivers whose young children have stunting. Researchers interviewed 40 caregivers, mostly mothers, recruited from nutrition clinics in four hospitals across four regions. Caregivers understood that healthy feeding matters, but they faced barriers such as money problems, low confidence in their ability to feed well, children refusing food, and misunderstandings about nutrition. The authors conclude that caregivers need nutrition education, behavioural support, and policies that make food more accessible and affordable.
Key points
- Caregivers understood the importance of healthful feeding.
- Barriers included financial constraints, low self-efficacy, limited food acceptance, and misconceptions about nutrition.
- Permissive feeding practices were common because of concerns about picky eating.
- Family dynamics, food access and availability, and limited engagement with government nutrition programmes also shaped feeding practices.
- The authors call for nutrition education, behavioural support, and policies to improve food access and affordability.
Limitations
The sample is 40 caregivers, purposively selected from hospital nutrition clinics in four regions, so the findings may not apply to caregivers who do not attend clinics or to the whole country. The abstract also does not report on any intervention or on how feeding practices relate to children's growth outcomes.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Childhood stunting remains a public health challenge in Thailand. While national surveys provide prevalence estimates, there is limited understanding of the multilevel influences shaping child feeding practices. This qualitative study aimed to explore individual, familial, and socioenvironmental determinants of child feeding practices among Thai female caregivers of young children with stunting. In‐depth interviews, guided by Social Cognitive Theory, were conducted with 40 female caregivers (primarily mothers) of children under 5 years old with stunting. Participants were purposively selected from nutrition clinics in four hospitals across four regions of Thailand (Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Satun, and Ubon Ratchathani). Trained local dietitians and nutritionists conducted interviews within the clinics. Transcripts were thematically analysed by two independent researchers, triangulated by input from local interviewers. Children's age ranged from 1.0 to 4.9 years old (mean 3.0 ± 1.1 years). Results showed that caregivers understood the importance of healthful feeding but faced barriers such as financial constraints, low self‐efficacy, limited food acceptance, and misconceptions about nutrition. Permissive feeding practices were common due to concerns over picky eating. Family dynamics, food access and availability, and limited engagement with government nutrition programmes further shaped child feeding practices. This study highlights the complex interplay of multilevel factors that influence child feeding practices among Thai caregivers of young children with stunting. Addressing these challenges effectively requires a multifaceted approach for caregivers, including nutrition education, behavioural support, and policies to improve food access and affordability.