Sources and perceived credibility of child nutrition information in relation to maternal health literacy.

The sample was predominantly non-Hispanic white and college-educated, and it was less likely to receive SNAP or WIC than mothers nationally, so it may not represent lower-income or more racially and ethnically diverse mothers. Only English-speaking mothers were included, so findings may not apply to mothers with limited English proficiency, who may be more likely to have low health literacy. Few participants received information from siblings, extended family, registered dietitians, and public health programs or government agencies, limiting power to detect credibility differences from those sources. Participants were recruited through Facebook, Twitter, and Craigslist and had to have recent social media activity, so the sample may not represent mothers who do not use social media. The study measured self-reported information sources and credibility at one time point and did not test whether changing advice or sources affects credibility or children's diet. The Practice Implications suggest pediatric providers recommend USDA and SNAP-Ed resources and refer families to registered dietitians, but the study did not test those actions.

No author conflict-of-interest declaration is provided in the supplied text. The article is marked as supported by U.S. government, Public Health Service, and NIH extramural research.

Do not conclude that health care providers are less credible than family or social media among mothers with limited health literacy. The study compared mothers with limited and adequate health literacy, not sources within one group. Most participants were college-educated, non-Hispanic white, English-speaking mothers, so it may not apply to other families. It also did not test whether any communication strategy improves credibility or child nutrition.