Identifying behavior change techniques (BCTs) in responsive feeding interventions to prevent childhood obesity—A systematic review

Ní Eidhin, Gráinne Máire Áine; Matvienko‐Sikar, Karen; Redsell, Sarah Anne

Abstract

Background
Complex interventions that include responsive infant feeding components can potentially prevent childhood obesity. To develop a replicable responsive feeding intervention, an understanding of the most effective behavior change techniques (BCTs) and theory is needed.

Objective
To identify the BCTs and theories used in interventions with responsive feeding components for caregivers of children ≤2 years.

Methods
PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and MIDIRS were searched from inception to May 2023. Studies of obesity prevention interventions with a responsive feeding component were included. BCT Taxonomy Version 1 and Michie and Prestwich theory coding method were applied.

Findings
Eighteen interventions were identified; the number of BCTs ranged from 3 to 11 (mean = 5.5). The most used BCTs were “Instruction on how to perform a behaviour” (17/18) and “Adding objects to the environment” (13/18), which were commonly used in the nine trials demonstrating higher responsive feeding behaviours and the four trials reporting reduced likelihood of overweight or obesity, or rapid weight gain. Fifteen trials reported use of theory.

Conclusion
BCT use was low in interventions with responsive feeding components. BCTs are replicable; their use in interventions, alongside theory, will ensure that key determinants of responsive feeding behavior are included in future obesity prevention interventions.

Citation

Ní Eidhin, G. M. Á., Matvienko‐Sikar, K., & Redsell, S. A. (2024). Identifying behavior change techniques (BCTs) in responsive feeding interventions to prevent childhood obesity—A systematic review. Obesity Reviews, Article e13857. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13857

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 29, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Nov 4, 2024
• Publication Date: Nov 4, 2024
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 5, 2025
• Journal: Obesity Reviews
• Print ISSN: 1467-7881
• Electronic ISSN: 1467-789X
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Article Number: e13857
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13857
• Keywords: Responsive feeding; childhood obesity; infant feeding; behaviour change techniques
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/40286124
• Publisher URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/obr.13857