Understanding Caregivers’ Influence on Preschoolers’ Eating Behaviors: An Integrative Review Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Primary caregivers of children play a significant role in developing their dietary behaviors. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this integrative review aimed to synthesize studies examining how personal and household characteristics, caregivers’ dietary beliefs, intentions, and feeding practices influence the eating behaviors of preschool-aged children (2–5 years). Methods: PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles published between January 2014 and September 2024. The expanded PRISMA 2020 checklist was used to guide the literature search and report the results. The Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice (JHNEBP) was also used to evaluate the quality of the selected articles. Results: A total of 10 studies were included in the final analysis. The studies revealed that preschoolers’ eating behaviors were significantly influenced by personal characteristics (e.g., caregivers’ BMI, and weight perceptions) and household factors (e.g., food availability). Additionally, caregivers’ feeding practices, such as restriction, modeling, and permissiveness, played a pivotal role in shaping children’s eating habits. Although caregivers expressed intentions to provide a healthy diet, they often faced barriers, including conflicting work schedules, financial constraints, and logistical challenges, which impeded their ability to consistently promote healthy eating behaviors. Conclusions: Caregivers’ beliefs, intentions, and feeding practices are pivotal in shaping preschoolers’ eating behaviors. However, the limited available literature and the underexplored mechanisms linking these factors make it challenging to draw solid conclusions. Future research should address these gaps and consider integrating caregiver-focused factors into tailored interventions to promote healthier eating habits in preschool-aged children. This can aid healthcare professionals in designing culturally and contextually sensitive strategies for improving childhood nutrition.