Effectiveness of puppet theater in promoting fruit and vegetable consumption in preschoolers

Abstract Purpose Audiovisual stimulation has proven to be a positive tool for increasing the acceptance of fruits and vegetables in interventions with children. Objective This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an audiovisual stimulus implemented both individually and collectively in improving fruit and vegetable consumption by preschool children (2 to 6 years old). Methods The study was conducted in the academic unit of an early childhood education facility located in the municipality of Lavras - MG, Brazil. Children were divided into four groups: isolated control (ICG), collective control (CCG), individually puppet stimulated (IPSG), and collectively puppet stimulated (CPSG). They underwent two sessions, with and without audiovisual stimulus, and were given papaya and beetroot. Only the IPSG and CPSG received the stimulus presented through an educational puppet show with a thematic approach to the importance of fruit and vegetable consumption. Subsequently, they were offered papaya and beetroot. Results The intervention did not result in statistically significant differences among the four groups regarding RI (%) for papaya ( p = 0.349) or beetroot ( p = 0.063). Similarly, no statistically significant differences were observed in acceptance scores for papaya ( p = 0.426) or beetroot ( p = 0.621). Conclusion Under the conditions of the present study, the puppet-based stimulus did not produce measurable effects on children’s consumption or acceptance of papaya and beetroot. The single exposure may have limited the intervention impact. Further studies with repeated exposure and larger samples are needed to better evaluate the effectiveness of audiovisual strategies in promoting healthy eating behaviors in early childhood.