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This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about nutrition, physical activity, and health risks related to childhood overweight among Women, Infants, and Children participants. Most (n = 165) were knowledgeable about causes/health risks of overweight (90%). The belief that "some people are born big or thin . . . " varied by education level (P < 0.05). Concerning activity, many (white non-Hispanic, 53%; African-American 69%) reported their children spending 2 to 3 hours per day watching television and playing video games, with 10% white non-Hispanic and 21% of African-American reporting 4 hours or more (P < 0.05). Beliefs related to the risk of overweight and activity level of the children differed among ethnic groups.

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Parents shape their children's eating and physical activity behaviors through the environments they create and by serving as role models. Thus, parents will benefit from nutrition education programs that increase their self efficacy for establishing healthy behaviors in their children. We hypothesized that assessing parents’ needs would make a nutrition education program more relevant and enhance participation. Two focus groups with Head Start parents were conducted in Decatur, IL using predetermined questions. Responses were audiotaped, transcribed and key themes identified. Parents were knowledgeable about causes of childhood overweight and understood that eating habits are learned early from adult role models. Parents identified “healthy eating” as consuming more fruits and vegetables. Barriers identified were the expense of fresh foods and lack of time. In terms of format, parents preferred visual education materials rather than written materials, “something I can watch, I can see”. In summary, nutrition education was valued by Head Start parents. Visual educational materials were preferred and have been effective in populations with low literacy, thus we will develop a program in DVD format. Funded by University of Illinois Extension.