Exploration of Changes in Low-Income Latino Families’ Beliefs about Obesity, Nutrition, and Physical Activity: A Qualitative Post-Intervention Study

Abstract

Objective: To investigate changes in beliefs around obesity, nutrition, and physical activity among low-income majority Latino families who participated in a community-based family-inclusive obesity intervention. Methods: Six focus groups were conducted with a predominately Latino low-income population, who completed the Healthy Living Program (HeLP). Two groups were conducted in English and four groups were conducted in Spanish, and were recorded, translated, transcribed, and analyzed for thematic content. Two coders independently coded transcripts then reflexive team analysis with three members was used to reach consensus. Results: Thirty-seven caregivers representing thirty-three families participated in focus groups. A number of themes emerged around changes in beliefs about obesity, nutrition, and physical activity (PA) as a result of the HeLP curriculum. Regarding obesity, the themes that emerged focused on the acceptability of children being overweight and the importance of addressing weight at an early age. Changes in beliefs regarding nutrition emerged, noting changes in the use of food as a reward, the multiple benefits of a healthy diet, and for some participants change in their beliefs around the adaptability of traditional foods and habits. Regarding physical activity, themes emerged around the difficulty of engaging in PA due to unsafe conditions and finding creative indoor and outdoor activities with whole family participation and becoming aware of the benefits of PA. Conclusions: Parental changes in beliefs about obesity, nutrition, and physical activity as a result of a family-inclusive weight management program in a population of low-income predominately Latino families can aid and inform the development of future weight management programs for this population.

Perceptions of Caregivers about Preschool Children’s Nutritional Care and Physical Activity through Tai Lue Traditions: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

“…17 However, there are some parents who are concerned about dangers outside the house. This is consistent with previous studies 15 in which parents hesitated to let their children play outdoors as they worried about any accidents that may occur.…”

“…services. 14,15 An awareness of the importance and use of local foods or ingredients according to the local culture promotes healthy eating behavior. [15][16] Parents realize the importance of outdoor physical activities.…”

“…14,15 An awareness of the importance and use of local foods or ingredients according to the local culture promotes healthy eating behavior. [15][16] Parents realize the importance of outdoor physical activities. 15 In addition, the implementation of local wisdom to promote the health of children from the Lanna people, who live in northern Thailand, has been studied.…”

“…[15][16] Parents realize the importance of outdoor physical activities. 15 In addition, the implementation of local wisdom to promote the health of children from the Lanna people, who live in northern Thailand, has been studied. At present local resources or materials are used to make toys, such as walking practice sticks, hobby horses made from a banana tree trunk, guns made from a banana stalk, and coconut shell stilts to encourage children to play.…”

“…This is similar to previous studies that recognize local food wisdom to be healthy food or other foods. 15 The popular and sustainable foods, such as mushrooms, bamboo shoots, or freshwater seaweed, are easily available in the Tai Lue community, which are a part of their identity and community tradition. 21 As for the physical activities of Tai Lue children, they prefer to play with toys made from local materials, such as a walking training set or coconut shell walkers.…”