Peer education is a feasible method of disseminating information related to child nutrition and feeding between new mothers

BACKGROUND: This study examined whether peer education based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour is a feasible method to share and disseminate nutrition and feeding information between mothers of babies and toddlers. METHODS: The Peer Educator Nutrition Training (PeerENT) study was a feasibility study. Participants were recruited from an existing cohort of mothers of six month to two year olds. An online survey tool was used to collect and collate data, which was then analysed using STATA statistical software. RESULTS: Thirty four mothers (35%) responded to the survey with 76% (n = 26) either very interested (n = 13) or interested (n = 13) in receiving child nutrition information from a trained peer educator, preferably in a structured group session. Sixty five per cent (n = 22) were “interested” or “very interested” in becoming a peer nutrition educator. The preferred methods of communicating information to other parents were online (n = 17), informally in a social group (n = 16) and via a face-to-face group program (n = 14). Participants predicted they would share child nutrition information with an average of fifteen people, a total reach of 510 individuals. CONCLUSIONS: High levels of interest in peer educator training and the capacity for mothers to share resources widely and easily via social media offers a potential opportunity to disseminate evidence-based nutrition information. A pilot study investigating the impact of a well-designed, theory-based peer nutrition education program on the child feeding practices of mothers with children aged between six months to two years is warranted.