<p> Currently there is limited research investigating parental perceptions regarding snack items provided to participants of organized youth sports. The current study investigated parental perceptions towards typical snacks offered by parents to teams in youth sports, and parental receptiveness to a snack guideline that would promote healthy snacking after youth sport events. This study focused on analyzing seven open ended questions included in the survey, which explored perceived importance of guidelines to promote healthy snacks, changes in snacks resulting from the guidelines, and additional informational needs. Survey responses for each open ended question were analyzed for a priori themes and emergent themes by two independent reviewers, using the sensitizing concepts approach. Responses across survey questions indicated that participants related snacking guidelines in youth sports with improved health. Many of the respondents gave answers that revolved around general health, bringing less candy, adding more fruits and vegetables, and basic nutrition facts and values. Another common theme was that the guidelines provided some form of structure to the snacking process, and can help guide parents with selection appropriate snack choices. Through qualitative analysis of the survey responses, it became clear that having nutritional guidelines to promote healthy snacks was valued by the participants of the current study, and resulted in some behavioral changes. This study is a step towards understanding practices that affect food consumption and food selection of youth involved in sports, both physically and nutritionally. Youth sports is a promising setting to promote physical activity and dietary habits, but considerable room for improvement exists for promoting healthful eating in the youth sports setting.</p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:10169560 |
| Date | 14 December 2016 |
| Creators | Childers, James W., IV |
| Publisher | California State University, Long Beach |
| Source Sets | ProQuest.com |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | thesis |
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