Parental and provider perceptions of social care impacts on infant nutrition

BACKGROUND: Addressing health-related social needs (HRSNs) is a high-priority public health topic, but little is known about how HRSN and social care interventions relate to infant nutrition and obesity prevention. 

METHODS: Conducted in-depth interviews in English or Spanish with parents of infants under age 2 years who completed HRSNs screening and providers-clinicians, health care staff, and community-based organization (CBO) representatives-engaged in social care interventions. A modified Chronic Care Model for Childhood Obesity served as the framework for the qualitative interview guide. We used immersion-crystallization during study team discussions, before and after coding, to conduct thematic analysis of the interview content. 

RESULTS: All 20 interviewed parents were female, with a mean age of 31. Over half (60%) were born outside of the United States, and 70% identified as Hispanic/Latina. Among the 20 interviewed providers, seven were physicians, eight clinical staff members, and five CBO representatives. Participants recognized the connection between HRSNs and infant nutrition, linking HRSNs to food behaviors during infancy. Parents appreciated nutrition programs that allowed parental discretion when choosing food items and included nutritional education. Both groups stated that the end of COVID-19 pandemic relief policies heightened economic strain on parents, exacerbating HRSNs. CBOs were appreciated for providing services to families who might not qualify for federal programs. 

CONCLUSIONS: HRSNs interventions to mitigate childhood obesity risks should ensure that HRSNs are addressed with high-quality resources, expand parental choice in food programs, streamline documentation for social services enrollment, and liberalize income requirements for federal nutrition programs.