Long Oral Presentation Nutrition Society of Australia 50th Annual Scientific Meeting 2026

Engaging priority populations in early childhood nutrition promotion: opportunities beyond the health sector (145625)

Konsita Kuswara 1 2 , Elly Ganakas 2 , Danielle Jawad 1 3 , Penny Love 1 2 , Colin Bell 1 4 , Rachel Laws 1 2
  1. Centre for Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (CRE EPOCH-Translate), Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
  2. Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences , Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
  3. Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
  4. Institute for Health Transformation, Global Centre for Preventive Health and Nutrition, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia

Promoting nutrition and healthy growth during the first 2000 days can reduce later diet-related disease and health inequities. However, priority populations, including families experiencing socio-economic disadvantages, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, often face barriers to accessing relevant information and support(1,2). Social and community services could fill this gap, but they are not routinely engaged as partners in early childhood nutrition promotion. This study examined opportunities to embed nutrition and healthy growth promotion within routine social and community services. Semi-structured online interviews were conducted between June and December 2023 with managers of parenting, family and early years services across all Australian jurisdictions except Tasmania (n = 28). Interviews were transcribed and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis (3). Four themes described how these settings could support nutrition and healthy growth. First, participants viewed social and community services as well placed to help families interpret and apply health advice through practical, culturally responsive and context-specific support. Second, effective support relied on trusted relationships, non-judgemental practice, social connection and flexible delivery that responded to families’ immediate priorities and circumstances. These are established strengths of social and community services. Third, participants preferred partnership-based approaches that strengthened existing practitioners, programs and organisations rather than introducing stand-alone interventions. Proposed strategies included co-delivery, workforce development, fit for purpose resources and access to relevant health expertise. Fourth, workforce shortages, fragmented funding, high demand and concerns about extending services beyond their core remit meant that nutrition initiatives needed to demonstrate clear value while minimising implementation burden. Social and community services offer a promising platform for extending nutrition and healthy growth promotion to priority populations. Successful implementation will require initiatives that build on trusted relationships and existing service structures, strengthen partnerships and workforce capability, and deliver clear value without adding substantial burden.

 

References

  1. Lioret S, Harrar F, Boccia, D, et al. (2023). Obes Rev24(1), e13524.
  2. Marshall S, Taki S, Laird Y et al. (2022) Obes Rev 23, e13402.
  3. Braun V & Clarke V (2021) Thematic Analysis: A Practical Guide. London: SAGE.

Keywords: early childhood nutrition; priority populations; implementation; social and community services