Latina mothers feeding their children: A focus group pilot study

James A. Bany, Victoria Lowerson Bredow, Robynn Zender, Susan Tiso, Merry Grasska, Jill Berg

Department of Social Ecology, University of California, Irvine, USA.
Department of Sociology, University of California, Irvine, USA.
Newport Mesa Unified School District, Costa Mesa, USA.
Program in Nursing Science, University of California, Irvine, USA.

DOI: 10.4236/ojn.2013.32029                

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to better understand current knowledge of health and nutrition, barriers to improving eating habits, and preferences for school-based interventions among low-income Latina mothers. Qualitative research methods and analysis were employed. Eighteen mothers of preschool-aged children participated in a focus group interview. Findings indicate that mothers have an understanding of healthy eating, but identified issues with connecting food with weight and in understanding definitions of “obese”. Further, respondents identified barriers to incorporating healthier foods and cooking methods into daily life, due to family food preferences, cultural practices, and schedules. Mother’s concerns about the future weight and the health of their children appeared to motivate interest in improving feeding behaviors. Desired interventions of mothers highlight the importance of culturally relative solutions to behavior change towards healthy eating.

Keywords

Obesity; Preschool Children; Latino Health; Nutrition

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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