A Healthy Habit Survey by Cow & Gate

Nursing in Practice is conducting a survey to find out more about the conversations between parents and healthcare professionals on nutrition in children under 5 years of age.

By taking the survey, you will also have the opportunity to enter into a prize draw for the chance to win one of five M&S vouchers worth £25. Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey.

Question Title

* 1. How often do you discuss nutrition with parents of children under-5 during their visits/appointments?

Rarely during their visits/appointments

Sometimes during their visits/appointments

At most visits/appointments

At every visit/appointment

Never

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* 2. What is the main barrier to discussing nutrition with parents of children under-5? (select all that apply)

Parents are more likely to discuss eating behaviours (e.g. fussy and faddy eating) rather than nutrition

Parents feel they already know everything they need to about nutrition

It is not in my remit - other HCPs educate parents about the importance of a healthy balanced diet

I am not sufficiently trained / confident in this area

I don’t have enough time

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* 3. What nutritional concern is raised the most by parents of under-5s?

Small appetite

Vitamin D intake

Sugar and fats intakes or sugar content of meals

Obesity or over-eating

I don’t know

Other (please specify)

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* 4. In toddlers, which nutrients are hard to achieve enough of through diet alone?

Vitamin A

Vitamin C

Vitamin D

Vitamin E

Calcium

Iron

Omega-3 fatty acids

Question Title

* 5. Is it possible for toddlers to achieve their recommended levels of all vitamins and minerals (i.e. Reference Nutrient Intakes) through diet alone?

Yes

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* 6. Have you seen an increase in concern/interest from parents about vitamin D in the last 12 months?

Yes

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* 7. How do you encourage positive behavioural change / healthy habits when speaking to parents? (choose 1 option)

I am not sure, I have not been trained in behavioural change techniques

I highlight the health issues that may arise if parents don’t change the behaviours of their toddlers

I highlight the benefits of a change to healthier habits

I suggest simple prompts that work with their existing family routine (e.g. take vitamin drops before cleaning teeth)

I encourage parents to considering changes that they feel they can make within their lifestyle or routine

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* 8. In your opinion what is the best way to encourage behavioural change amongst parents of children under-5s?

Through legislation and policies rolled out by the Government/Department of Health

Through excellent/effective advice by healthcare professionals

When individuals take personal responsibility for positive change

When individuals are encouraged by friends/family/social pressures to change

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* 9. Do you encourage parents to adopt habits that will increase vitamin D intakes?

Yes

Not sure

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* 10. Which of the following components should parents use to increase vitamin D intake? (tick all that applies)

A healthy balanced diet with regular inclusion of oily fish and eggs

Vitamin D drops /supplements

Fortified foods and toddler milks in the toddler diet (e.g. toddler milks and breakfast cereals)

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* 11. Would you recommend fortified toddler milk as a key way to improve vitamin D intake in young children?

Yes, it is a convenient way to provide toddlers with hard to get nutrients they need, including vitamin D, iron and omega 3

Not sure, as increased vitamin D intake can be achieved by other means

No, I don’t know enough about the nutritional benefits of fortified toddler milk

Other (please specify)