Family eating and physical activity practices among African American, Filipino American, and Hispanic American families: Implications for developing obesity prevention programs

Overweight and obesity among children and adults is well-documented as an escalating problem. The purpose of this study is to determine the blood pressure, self-esteem, and eating and physical activity practices among African Americans, Filipino Americans, and Hispanic Americans; and project implications for development of childhood obesity prevention programs. This descriptive study was conducted in a convenience sample of 110 mothers recruited in health clinics and community centers located in Southeast Florida: 19% African Americans, 26% Filipino Americans, and 55% Hispanic Americans. The data, collected via self-administered questionnaires and a guided interview (Family Eating and Activity Habits Questionnaire, Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale, Background Information Questionnaire), were analyzed via descriptive and inferential statistics with findings significant at p \u3c .05. Results revealed differences and similarities in eating and activity practices between Filipinos and Blacks or Hispanics. Blood pressure and self-esteem did not differ by ethnicity; however, overweight mothers tended to have overweight children. The results point clearly to the importance of the mothers’ role modeling in eating and physical activity practices of families, reflecting the influence of mothers’ behaviors in children’s healthy behaviors, albeit family health. Given that mothers own physical exercise and eating habits could influence their children’s physical activity levels and food choices, a parental advice strategy could be disseminated directly to parents by health professionals. Study findings may raise public awareness of the increasing prevalence and consequences of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents, particularly among vulnerable ethnic groups. The findings provide a database for nurse practitioners and other health service providers for the development of culturally sensitive focused public health education programs to prevent or control obesity

Risk, Harm and Intervention: the case of child obesity

In this paper we aim to demonstrate the enormous ethical complexity that is prevalent in child obesity cases. This complexity, we argue, favors a cautious approach. Against those perhaps inclined to blame neglectful parents, we argue that laying the blame for child obesity at the feet of parents is simplistic once the broader context is taken into account. We also show that parents not only enjoy important relational prerogatives worth defending, but that children, too, are beneficiaries of that relationship in ways difficult to match elsewhere. Finally, against the backdrop of growing public concern and pressure to intervene earlier in the life cycle, we examine the perhaps unintended stigmatizing effects that labeling and intervention can have and consider a number of risks and potential harms occasioned by state interventions in these cases

A Retrospective Analysis of Maternal and Child Outcomes Following an Obesity Intervention Program

Background: One of the highest risk groups for childhood obesity and associated co-morbidities in the United States are low-income Hispanic preschool children. To reduce obesity, effective interventions are being sought to improve health behaviors among high risks groups. Objectives: To evaluate a subset of data from a larger 9-month promotora facilitated obesity intervention study. The aims were to determine: 1) pre- to post-program differences in health behaviors including: (a) children\u27s consumption of high carbohydrate beverages (HCB); and (b) maternal walking, beliefs, knowledge, self-efficacy, and relationship building regarding nutrition and physical activity; and 2) which covariates were significant for change in outcome variables. Methods: A retrospective data analysis, pre post single group design was used to analyze a subset of data from the larger study consisting of a case sample of 33 low-income, Hispanic mothers (18- to 35-year-olds) with pre-school children (3- to 5-year-olds). Differences in outcome variables for related samples between baseline and 9 months were examined using: descriptive statistics, a matched-pairs t-test, the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test, and the chi-square test. Pearson and Spearman correlations were performed to assess relationships between covariates and outcome variables, and if regression analysis assumptions were met. A backward step-wise linear regression was run to determine covariates significant for change in health behaviors. Results: From baseline to 9 months, there was a 56% decrease in children\u27s overall HCB consumption (soda, 100% juice, and sugary drinks); a 47% increase in water consumption; and a 58% increase in total maternal steps (Tuesday and Saturday). By 9 months, maternal beliefs were more positive about walking, knowledge increased about healthy drinks, and maternal self-efficacy improved regarding role modeling healthy behaviors. Gravida was correlated with increased Saturday steps and increased water consumption; and promotora visits were correlated with increased consumption of soda. Implications: Findings suggest a 9-month childhood obesity intervention program was effective in improving the target health behaviors for a low-income Mexican American community and identifying effective means for reducing the incidence of obesity in high risks groups. A larger randomized control trial is needed to further test the feasibility of this intervention program

Game Changer: Investing in Digital Play to Advance Children's Learning and Health

Based on a literature review and interviews with digital learning experts, explores how digital games can foster skills and knowledge for better academic performance and health. Makes recommendations for government research, partnerships, and media

Addressing the Health and Physical Activity Needs of Girls in the Boston Metropolitan Area

This report examines girls' level of participation in sports and physical activity in the Boston metropolitan area and its relation to girls' health. Girls' sports and physical activity delivery systems, as well as public policy affecting the availability of such systems are reviewed

Cultural factors related to childhood and adolescent obesity in Mexico: a systematic review of qualitative studies.

Culture and culturally specific beliefs or practices may influence perceptions and decisions, potentially contributing to childhood obesity. The objective of this study is to identify the cultural factors (expressed through decisions, behaviors, individual experiences, perceptions, attitudes, or views) related to childhood and adolescent obesity in Mexico. Ten databases and one search engine were searched from 1995 onwards for qualitative studies. The Sunrise Enabler Model, described within the Cultural Care Theory, guided this review. Sample, the phenomenon of interest, study design, and evaluation data were extracted, and the Critical Appraisals Skills Programme tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Twenty-four studies were included. Of these, 12 studies included children or adolescents, 12 included parents, eight included schoolteachers, four included school staff (other than teachers), four included food vendors, and one included policymakers. Cultural values, beliefs, lifeways (especially food and food costumes), kinship, and social factors (particularly immediate and extended family) strongly influenced childhood and adolescent obesity-related lifestyles in Mexico. Most cultural factors related to childhood obesity in Mexico identified in this review may be modifiable and amenable to practical interventions

The Negative Impact of Excessive Screen Time on Language Development in Children Under 6-Years-Old: An Integrative Review with Screen Time Reduction Toolkit and Presentation for Outpatient Pediatric and Family Health Providers

Background. Increased amounts of recreational screen time, defined as time watching television and DVDs, playing videogames, and using computers, tablets, and cellular phones without academic purpose, and the lack of effective media use assessment and patient education being done by primary care providers is associated with increased risk of language developmental delays for young children under 6-years-old. Purpose. The purpose of this integrative review is to develop a toolkit that provides education for providers and families on the adverse effects of excessive screen time on language development in children younger than 6-years-old and evidence-based screen time reduction strategies that can be implemented in outpatient primary care clinics at all wellness visits. Toolkit and Presentation. An integrative review was conducted to describe the effects of excessive screen time on language development for children under age 6 and analyze interventions to decrease screen time. From these results, the Screen Time Reduction Toolkit was created. The toolkit includes the 2-Question Assessment for Screen Time (2-QAST), screen time reduction algorithm, provider and patient education on health risks associated with excessive screen time, screen time recommendations published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and evidence-based screen time reduction strategies, provider resources, and patient education handouts. The integrative review findings and toolkit were presented to a group of local pediatric providers, nurses, and medical technicians for education and implementation. Outcomes/Discussion. The pre-presentation survey was created after the Health Belief Model (HBM), which served as the framework for this educational intervention. Staff members had high perceived seriousness (83%), perceived susceptibility (83%), and perceived benefit (100%), demonstrating that staff members’ attitudes and beliefs about screen time for young children were in agreement with the principles of this project. Barriers identified included lack of knowledge about health risks from excessive screen time, potential for parental resistance to screen time reduction advice, and time constraints during wellness visits. Regarding cues to action, staff members requested visual aids, handouts, and more education about screen time. The toolkit and patient education resources reduce barriers and address cues to action identified by the staff members. The post-presentation evaluation revealed that 100% of staff members found the toolkit presentation informative and said it increased their knowledge and understanding of the topic. Conclusion. The toolkit provides the education that providers need to be knowledgeable as well as confident in their ability to discuss screen time with families. Being consistent about providing a few minutes of screen time education at every wellness visit from 2-months-old to 5-years-old sets a solid foundation for parents and children to create healthier screen time habits at home

Development of peer-led youth theater as a nutrition education tool to promote the healthy traditional Latino diet

"The overall purpose of my research was to develop culturally appropriate nutrition education for Latino immigrants. In phase one, a needs assessment was conducted with the low-income Latina population (N=166) in Guilford County, North Carolina. Seventy-six percent were overweight/obese. Eighty-nine percent were living in food insecure households. Forty percent living in food insecure households with moderate hunger were obese compared to 73% of respondents with severe hunger. Severe food insecurity was related to less positive nutrition beliefs (χ2 (9,N=166)=17.56, p<.05). Forty-five percent had received nutrition education previously. Having had previous nutrition education was related to positive nutrition beliefs, self-efficacy and knowledge [χ2 (9, N=166)= 29.04, p < .001, χ2 (2, N=154)= 4.89, p < .05, χ2 (3, N=157)= 10.36, p < .05, respectively]. Highly traditional diets were related with less weight increase and better diet quality (χ2(12,N=104)=21.94, p<.05, χ2 (9, N=155)= 18.79, p< .05, respectively. The purpose of phase two was to better understand the dietary acculturation process. Observations, in-depth interviews, and questionnaires were conducted with one family in Mexico. In-depth interviews and questionnaires were conducted with families (N=4) in Guilford County, North Carolina. Decreases in fruit and vegetable intakes and increases in snack and processed food had occurred. Availability, food displacement and cost were identified as reasons changes occurred. Because of school children's diets adopt faster thus becoming the primary driver of the families' dietary acculturation. In phase three, nutrition theater education was developed to address knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of Latino youth. Pre and post surveys were conducted with an intervention group (N=19) and with a matched non-intervention group (N=19). The traditional Latino diet was promoted. Seventy percent reported learning about nutrition. Respondents thought the American diet (group defined as hotdogs, hamburgers, pizza and French fries) was less healthy (P< .05). They also liked vegetables more and were planning to or trying to eat more beans, fruits and vegetables and less sugar after the intervention (P <.05). No changes occurred in the non-intervention group. Theater education with nutrition information appears to be effective at increasing knowledge, promoting positive attitudes and behaviors of Latino youth."--Abstract from author supplied metadata

Parental perception of pediatric obesity

Pediatric obesity is a growing problem with potential for lifelong physical, emotional, and social implications. Professional nurses have a moral imperative to be concerned about pediatric obesity. Because nursing theorist Barnard considers parent and child to be an interactive system, it is essential that nurses begin by assessing the parental perception of their child\u27s weight. Only after a parent recognizes their obese child\u27s weight as a problem can nursing successfully intervene and assist the child; The purpose of this replication study was to assess parental perception of their obese 2-5 year old children in Southern Nevada. The sample consisted of 39 parents of 2-5 year old obese children enrolled in two Southern Nevada WIC programs. When parent\u27s perceptions of their child\u27s obesity were assessed using a questionnaire developed by Myers & Vargas (2000) it was found that 61.5% of these parents were not aware that their child was obese. In 2000 the same questionnaire had been administered to a similar population in Virginia, that study found that 35% of parents did not believe their obese child was obese