ABSTRACT
Background Variations in weight trends among different races and ethnic groups are reported by gender with associations of overweight to medical problems (Harrell et al., 1998; Barlow & Dietz, 1998). There is a need to investigate the context of childhood eating behaviors within the family from a cultural perspective to inform obesity prevention practices.
Objective This study investigates race and ethnic differences in parent-child interactions around feeding practices that may be associated with overweight.
Methods Focus groups of 24 low-income African American, Caucasian, Hispanic and Asian mothers were conducted. Each focus group was taped, transcribed and analyzed by four independent raters using standard qualitative research methodology.
Results Common themes across the groups include: Parent's reported "loss of control" over the child’s eating behaviors due to daycare, school or other family member's involvement, use of food as a reward, lack of stated concern related to the child’s physical activity level and stated belief that overeating is the reason children become overweight. Thematic differences by race or ethnic group were found in the following areas: role of the grandmother in influencing child feeding, type of influences on what to feed the child, perceptions of when the child had been sufficiently fed, parent's concern for overweight compared to underweight, reasons for lack of parent/child free time together and differences in thoughts about why children overeat.
Conclusions Evidence of race/ethnic variations in child feeding suggests the need for considering the influence of culture when working with low-income mothers to facilitate healthy weights in their children.
Learning Objectives: This study investigates race and ethnic differences in parent-child interactions around feeding practices that may be associated with overweight.
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.