Author(s)

Janna Stephens^1*, Antoinette Perkins²

¹Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, USA.
²Sports & Exercise Studies, Columbus State Community College, Columbus, USA.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to better understand black community college students’ beliefs on obesity in their community. Methods: Participants were 18 - 21 years old and African American/Hispanic Black. Focus group sessions were conducted with a discussion guide. Thematic analysis was used to analyze results. Results: Five focus groups were conducted. Four major themes emerged: My Culture Matters, The Effects of Slavery are Still Present, Meet Me Where I Want to Be, Not Where Society Wants Me, and If They Have Been Fat, They Get Me. It is clear that weight programs need to be sensitive to cultural preferences. Conclusion: Our results present unique factors related to overweight/obesity in the Black community.

Overweight, Focus Groups, Young Adult, Minority Groups

Stephens, J. and Perkins, A. (2019) Black Community College Students and Opinions and Beliefs on Weight in the Community: A Focus Group Study. Health, 11, 57-66. doi: 10.4236/health.2019.111007.