Pulse Discovery toolkit: Protocol for a multi-component nutrition intervention developed using an intervention mapping approach to promote the consumption of pulse-based foods in childcare centers [Preprint]

Background: Plant-based foods, including pulses (dry beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas), have gained worldwide attention due to their health and environmental benefits. Despite high productions, the consumption of pulses is low in Canada. Behavior change interventions systematically designed to promote the consumption of pulse-based foods are scarce. Objective: This protocol describes a multi-component nutrition intervention developed using an intervention mapping approach to promote the consumption of pulse-based foods among pre-school children in childcare centers in Saskatchewan. Methods: The intervention, Pulse Discovery Tool Kit, was developed following the six steps of the intervention mapping (IM) protocol. Decisions at each step were either based upon a literature review, expert consultation, pre-testing, or a combination of these. Following the initial phase of the study, which focused on intervention development, Phase II and Phase III of the study were concerned with pilot testing and roll-out of the intervention, respectively. In total, n=1, n=2 and n=4 childcare centers participated in Phase I, II and III, respectively. A multi-method approach was designed to evaluate the intervention during pilot-testing and roll-out. Results: The application of IM Steps 1-3 in Phase I resulted in the creation of performance objectives at different levels, including at the individual level (preschool child), and the social and environmental level (parents, early childhood educator and cook). These objectives were then used to create a matrix of objectives matching the constructs of the Social Cognitive Theory while taking Piaget's cognitive development into consideration. This step was followed by defining program components, implementation, adoption, and evaluation strategies, which were implemented in Phase II and III. Conclusions: The intervention mapping protocol provided a rigorous framework for the development of a multi-component evidence-based intervention to promote pulse-based foods in childcare centers. Clinical Trial: NA