What Outcome Measurement Instruments Are Used to Measure Caregiver Infant-Feeding Practices and the Feeding Environment: A Scoping Review.

INTRODUCTION

How caregiver infant-feeding practices and infant-feeding environment outcomes are measured in obesity prevention intervention trials is crucial to accurately examine intervention effects. This scoping review identified what and how outcome measurement instruments (OMIs) are used to measure eight infant-feeding practice and two feeding environment outcomes that are included in a core outcome set.

METHODS

Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases were searched from inception to 18.09.23, with an updated search conducted 18.09.25. Eligible trials included infants ≤ 1 year old and at least one infant-feeding practice or infant-feeding environment OMI. Article titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened independently in duplicate. Data were narratively synthesized.

RESULTS

Twenty-five trials in 26 articles were included. Questionnaires were the most used OMI (n = 18); individual questions (n = 7), ecological momentary assessment (n = 1), vignettes (n = 1), and ratings of videotaped parent-child interactions (n = 2) were also used. OMIs were predominantly researcher-administered and completed in caregivers' homes. Responsive infant-feeding and pressuring the child to eat were the most examined infant-feeding practices outcomes; the feeding environment was only examined in five trials. Reporting of OMIs often lacked clarity/completeness.

CONCLUSION

The findings provide an essential first step to improve the measurement of infant-feeding practices and feeding environment to prevent childhood obesity.