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Marquez B, Lebensohn-Chialvo F, Al-Rousan T. Understanding family functioning in mothers and daughters with obesity. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2024; 19:2348894. [PMID: 38733143 PMCID: PMC11089922 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2024.2348894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study sought to understand family functioning surrounding weight in Mexican American women with obesity. METHODS Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with mothers and adult daughters (N = 116). RESULTS Thematic analysis identified five themes. 1) The communication process drives perception of supportive messages. Messages perceived as non-supportive consist of directives as interventions, confirmation of faults, and critical compliments whereas supportive consist of compliments, encouragement, empathetic listening, and disclosure. 2) Acculturation differences interfere with intergenerational alliance. Differences involve dissonance in communication, behavioural expectations, and weight-related practices. 3) Maladaptive conflict responses contribute to relational strain. These responses include avoidance, withdrawal, and defensiveness. 4) Role transformations alter the generational hierarchical relationship. Daughters serve as role models, caregivers, or collaborators. 5) Low communal coping heightens psychological distress. It does so by challenging family roles, increasing social isolation, and compromising social support. CONCLUSION Obesity interventions for Mexican American women may benefit from targeting relational skills to improve family functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Becky Marquez
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Tala Al-Rousan
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Diaz EN, Pineda JA, Le Q, Wright JA, Greaney ML, Lindsay AC. How do Central American Parents in the United States View the Importance of and Obtain Information About Behaviors Associated with the Risk of Early Childhood Obesity? HISPANIC HEALTH CARE INTERNATIONAL 2022; 21:78-88. [PMID: 35435048 DOI: 10.1177/15404153221093735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: Data suggest that Latinx preschool-age children are at increased risk of obesity. The fastest-growing Latinx population in the United States originates from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, also known as the Northern Triangle countries. Purpose: To describe how Central American parents from the Northern Triangle countries perceive the importance of energy balance-related behaviors (EBRBs), their preferred sources to obtain information about EBRBs, and to assess whether these differ by parent's gender and country of the nativity. Methods: Cross-sectional survey. Results: Seventy-four parents with at least one child between 2 and 5 years of age participated in the study. More than half were immigrants from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras and were classified as having low acculturation. Mothers perceived consuming >5 fruits and vegetables daily, limiting sugar-sweetened beverages consumption, and having <2 hours daily screen time as extremely important, whereas fathers perceived these behaviors as being less important. Although a higher proportion of foreign-born than US-born parents perceived most of the assessed EBRBs (4 out of 6) as extremely important, these differences were not significant. Parents reported multiple sources to obtain EBRB-related information. Direct person-to-person interactions were the most commonly preferred sources, with pediatricians being the top source (97.3%), followed by other parents (86.5%), and WIC professionals (74.3%). Pediatricians were the preferred source to obtain information about EBRBs, irrespective of parent's gender and country of the nativity. A higher proportion of US-born than foreign-born parents reported a preference to obtain EBRB-related information from other parents. Conclusions: Findings suggest the significance of understanding how Central American parents perceive the importance of EBRBs and the sources they would prefer to obtain information for their children's EBRBs. Study findings have implications for health education and obesity prevention interventions designed to reach and deliver key evidence-based child health information to Central American parents from the Northern Triangle countries in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth N. Diaz
- Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joanna A. Pineda
- Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Qun Le
- Department of Public Health, University of Massachusetts Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Julie A. Wright
- Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mary L. Greaney
- Department of Health Studies, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Ana Cristina Lindsay
- Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, USA
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Figueroa R, Isasi CR, Perreira KM, McClain AC, Gallo LC, Sotres-Alvarez D, Delamater AM, Daviglus M, Van Horn L, Mattei J. Targeting family functioning, acculturative stress, and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption for obesity prevention: findings from the Hispanic community children's health study/study of Latino youth. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1546. [PMID: 33054741 PMCID: PMC7559747 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09658-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maintaining a bond with one’s family as well coping with stress while acculturating to the US may protect Hispanic/Latino youth from increased sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) consumption, which heightens the risk for overweight and obesity. This study aims to examine associations between acculturative stress, family functioning, and SSB consumption by acculturation status among U.S. Hispanic/Latino youth. Methods With cross-sectional data on 1465 youth 8-16y (49.6% females) participating in the Hispanic Community Children’s Health Study/Study of Latino Youth, we classified youths into four acculturation groups – assimilated, integrated, marginalized/separated, and unclassified. SSB consumption was assessed through two 24-h diet recalls and defined as intake frequency of soda, fruit juice, sweetened soft and fruit drinks. Multi-group path regression models were used to test associations of Hispanic/Latino youth’ acculturative stress and family functioning with SSB consumption, as well as the moderating role of acculturation status. Results When controlling for age, sex, and study site, acculturative stress (β = − 0.13, p = 0.01) was inversely associated with SSB, and poor family functioning (β = 0.11, p = 0.07) was only marginally associated with SSB consumption among youth classified as assimilated but not among youth classified as integrated, marginalized/separated, or unclassified. Conclusions A socio-ecological perspective that incorporates the role of key acculturation-related factors across multiple levels may aid efforts to identify mechanisms that influence the relationship between acculturation status and diet among Hispanic/Latino youth and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Figueroa
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Carmen R Isasi
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Krista M Perreira
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Amanda C McClain
- School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Linda C Gallo
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Daniela Sotres-Alvarez
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Alan M Delamater
- Department of Pediatrics, Mailman Center for Child Development, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Martha Daviglus
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Linda Van Horn
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Josiemer Mattei
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
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Confiac N, Turk MT, Zoucha R, McFarland M. Mexican American Parental Knowledge and Perceptions of Childhood Obesity: An Integrative Review. HISPANIC HEALTH CARE INTERNATIONAL 2019; 18:105-116. [PMID: 31537084 DOI: 10.1177/1540415319873400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION For the past two decades, childhood obesity has remained a national public health concern, particularly among Hispanic populations. Multiple cross-sectoral obesity prevention strategies have been implemented yet remain unsuccessful in generating sustainable lifestyle changes. METHOD The purpose of this integrative review, using the Whittemore and Knafl method, was to examine the literature from 2009 to 2018 regarding Mexican American parental knowledge and perceptions of childhood obesity. The CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, and ERIC databases were used to search the literature, and 13 peer-reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS Three main themes emerged from the literature synthesis: (1) parental misperception of child body weight and size, (2) influence of cultural health and growth beliefs on parental perception of child weight, and (3) parental perspectives of causes and consequences of childhood obesity and how to address it. However, cultural variations in parental perceptions were found; therefore, attempts to generalize Mexican Americans' cultural practices should be avoided. CONCLUSION Studies using qualitative approaches are needed to gain deeper insights about Mexican American culture regarding children's health as it relates to body weight, the roles of different family members in the Mexican American childrearing tradition, and the impact of their associated health beliefs.
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Garcia ML, Gatdula N, Bonilla E, Frank GC, Bird M, Rascón MS, Rios-Ellis B. Engaging Intergenerational Hispanics/Latinos to Examine Factors Influencing Childhood Obesity Using the PRECEDE–PROCEED Model. Matern Child Health J 2019; 23:802-810. [DOI: 10.1007/s10995-018-02696-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Taverno Ross SE, Macia L, Documét PI, Escribano C, Kazemi Naderi T, Smith-Tapia I. Latino Parents' Perceptions of Physical Activity and Healthy Eating: At the Intersection of Culture, Family, and Health. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2018; 50:968-976. [PMID: 29954715 PMCID: PMC6230483 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2017.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore Latino parents' perspectives on healthy living and identify strategies to incorporate in a future child obesity intervention. DESIGN Descriptive, qualitative study. SETTING Participants were recruited from an emerging Latino community (area with low [ < 5%] yet growing concentrations of Latinos) in Allegheny County, PA. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-two parents of preschool children participated in 5 Spanish-language focus groups. PHENOMENON OF INTEREST Parents' perceptions of a healthy lifestyle (ie, physical activity and nutrition). ANALYSIS Data were analyzed using the constant comparison method to identify salient categories, themes, and patterns. RESULTS Three overarching themes were identified: (1) Healthy Living: Beyond One's Control; (2) Estamos Acostumbrados [We Are Used to a Certain Lifestyle]; and (3) Latin American and US Culture Conflict. In general, parents perceived maintaining a healthy lifestyle to require enormous effort and that change was difficult given a lack of knowledge and control. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Key intervention approaches with this population may include a focus on the family environment. Increasing knowledge, building self-efficacy, and modeling behavior through family recipe preparation and physical activity breaks may be necessary, as well as an emphasis on and orientation to community resources to support behavior change and physical activity and healthy eating habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon E Taverno Ross
- Department of Health and Physical Activity, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.
| | - Laura Macia
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Patricia I Documét
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
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CAMPOS MLB, MACHADO MMT, AZEVEDO DVD, SILVA KA. Dietary patterns of obese children: Maternal perceptions and experiences. REV NUTR 2017. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-98652017000200005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective: To understand maternal perceptions and experiences regarding the eating habits of obese children aged five to nine years. Methods: This is a qualitative research, and semi-structured interviews and discourse analysis were used to interpret narratives of 13 women from the city of Fortaleza, Ceará state, Brazil. Results: These women described the eating habits of their obese children in terms of how they eat and mentioned: eating fast, eating in front of the television, secret eating, eating large amounts of food, and the consumption of processed foods that are high in fat, sugars, and sodium. Conclusion: Seeing the mother and her obese child as a unit that needs support and guidance is a big step to plant the seeds to reap the rewards, i.e., exerting important impacts on the lives of these families and on the current scenario of childhood obesity.
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Conditioned to eat while watching television? Low-income caregivers' perspectives on the role of snacking and television viewing among pre-schoolers. Public Health Nutr 2016; 19:1598-605. [PMID: 26794059 DOI: 10.1017/s136898001500364x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although television (TV) viewing is frequently paired with snacking among young children, little is known about the environment in which caregivers promote this behaviour. We describe low-income pre-schoolers' snacking and TV viewing habits as reported by their primary caregivers, including social/physical snacking contexts, types of snacks and caregiver rationales for offering snacks. These findings may support the development of effective messages to promote healthy child snacking. DESIGN Semi-structured interviews assessed caregiver conceptualizations of pre-schoolers' snacks, purpose of snacks, snack context and snack frequency. SETTING Interviews occurred in Boston, Massachusetts and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. SUBJECTS Forty-seven low-income multi-ethnic primary caregivers of children aged 3-5 years (92 % female, 32 % Hispanic/Latino, 34 % African American) described their child's snacking in the context of TV viewing. RESULTS TV viewing and child snacking themes were described consistently across racial/ethnic groups. Caregivers described snacks offered during TV viewing as largely unhealthy. Labels for TV snacks indicated non-nutritive purposes, such as 'time out', 'enjoyment' or 'quiet.' Caregivers' primary reasons for providing snacks included child's expectations, behaviour management (e.g. to occupy child) and social time (e.g. family bonding). Some caregivers used TV to distract picky children to eat more food. Child snacking and TV viewing were contextually paired by providing child-sized furniture ('TV table') specifically for snacking. CONCLUSIONS Low-income caregivers facilitate pre-schoolers' snacking and TV viewing, which are described as routine, positive and useful for non-nutritive purposes. Messages to caregivers should encourage 'snack-free' TV viewing, healthy snack options and guidance for managing children's behaviour without snacks or TV.
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