Supporting healthier family habits
PANACEA will test a community-based intervention designed to help families adopt healthy and sustainable Mediterranean eating habits during pregnancy and the baby’s first months.
The study will take place in three Mediterranean countries at the same time: Spain, Italy and Egypt. The study will follow families for around ten and a half months, involving 420 pregnant women and their family units, and will follow families from the second trimester of pregnancy until four months after birth.
The aim is to understand whether a combination of practical tools, digital support, workshops, peer support and local food initiatives can help families make healthier and more sustainable choices in everyday life.
Reus (Spain)
Recruitment and follow-up connected to ASSIR Reus, a specialised primary care unit that provides sexual and reproductive health services
Parma (Italy)
Recruitment and follow-up connected to Universitty of Parma Hospital.
Cario & Alexandria (Egypt)
Recruitment and follow-up connected to hospitals, schools and social clubs.
TAKE PART
What participation involves?
Families taking part in the PANACEA study will be invited to participate from the second trimester of pregnancy until four months after birth.
During this period, participants will attend a small number of follow-up visits and will be asked to complete simple questionnaires about their eating habits, lifestyle, well-being and daily routines.
Depending on the study group, families will take part in PANACEA activities such as the digital coach, nutrition and cooking workshops, educational materials, peer-support spaces, reward system and local food initiatives.
All participation forms will follow ethical and data protection requirements, and the research team will provide clear information before the study starts.
Families will benefit from:
- Clearer information about healthy eating during pregnancy and early family life
- Practical ideas for meal planning and cooking
- Support to make more sustainable food choices
- Opportunities to reflect on daily habits and routines
- Connection with professionals, other families or local food initiatives
- The chance to contribute to research that may benefit future families
Tools
What will the intervention include?
Digital coach
A mobile support tool designed to help participating families adopt healthier and more sustainable Mediterranean lifestyle habits. The Digital Coach will provide personalised easy-to-follow support through small behavioural goals, practical missions, recipes, educational content, reminders and feedback.
Nutrition and cooking workshops
Hands-on sessions with chefs to help families learn about Mediterranean eating and prepare simple, healthy and sustainable meals. These workshops will focus on practical skills such as meal planning, batch cooking, seasonal food choices and recipes adapted to pregnancy, lactation and early family life.
Educational materials
Easy-to-use resources with clear information, tips and examples to support families at home. These materials may include visual guides, recipes, shopping lists and meal-planning templates and practical advice adapted to each country and life stage.
Reward system
A simple motivation system that recognises participation, progress and small achievements during the intervention. It will encourage families to stay engaged with the programme and celebrate gradual improvements in daily habits.
Peer-support spaces
Group spaces where families can share experiences, challenges, ideas and encouragement with others. These spaces are aimed to help build a sense of community and provide practical support during pregnancy and early parenting
Local food activities
Activities that connect families with local producers and short food supply chains to promote seasonal and locally sourced foods. These activities will help participants discover healthier, more sustainable and locally relevant food options in their communities.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
