title: Development and Feasibility of a Childhood Obesity Prevention Program for Rural Families: Application of the Social Cognitive Theory.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Effective childhood obesity prevention programs for preschool children are limited in number and focus on changes in the child care environment rather than the home environment.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this project was to develop and test the feasibility of a home environment obesity prevention program that incorporates mindful eating strategies and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) constructs.Home Sweet Homeis specifically designed for rural parents and grandparents of preschool-age children.
  
  
  METHODS
  HSHwas developed using community-based participatory research practices and constructs from the SCT. Three community-based education sessions were delivered. Pre- and post-intervention data were collected from 47 grandparents and mothers.F.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three of the four selected behavioral outcomes improved between pre- and post-intervention. The number of hours engaged in sedentary behaviors and intake of "red light" foods decreased while three of four mindful eating scores increased. Graduates of the program were able to decrease the number of "red light" foods available in their homes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Improvements in mindful eating and several key behaviors were observed after a three week mindful eating/home environment intervention.
  Health educators should incorporate mindful eating strategies and use the SCT when designing childhood obesity prevention programs.
authors.affiliation: The University of Alabama, Department of Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management.
authors.forename: Linda L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Knol
authors.affiliation: University of Alabama, University Medical Center.
authors.forename: Harriet H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Myers
authors.affiliation: The University of Alabama, Department of Psychology.
authors.forename: Sheila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Black
authors.affiliation: Imagine Me Youth Center, Eutaw.
authors.forename: Darlene
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.affiliation: Mahalah Farm, Cuba.
authors.forename: Yawah
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Awololo
authors.affiliation: Health and Wellness Educational Center.
authors.forename: Debra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.affiliation: University of Alabama, Department of Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management.
authors.forename: Carson L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.affiliation: University of Alabama, Department of Health Science.
authors.forename: Joy W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Douglas
authors.affiliation: University of Alabama, College of Community Health Sciences.
authors.forename: John C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Higginbotham