TITLE:
Latina mothers feeding their children: A focus group pilot study
AUTHORS:
James A. Bany, Victoria Lowerson Bredow, Robynn Zender, Susan Tiso, Merry Grasska, Jill Berg
KEYWORDS:
Obesity; Preschool Children; Latino Health; Nutrition
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Nursing,
Vol.3 No.2,
June
3,
2013
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.