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Understanding cultural factors contributing to obesity in Head Start Hispanic preschoolers: Perceptions from one county Head Start

Description:
Obesity rates among low-income Hispanic preschoolers are higher than those of low-income whites, highlighting the need for understanding the culturally factors that may contribute to obesity. Utilizing a community-based approach, a survey was distributed to Hispanic Head Start families; preschooler body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Two focus groups examined caregiver perceptions about weight status and meal practices. The rate of overweight/obesity in the preschoolers was 44%, whereas, 79.4% of caregivers reported child weight as "normal." Caregivers perceived "thinness" as a disadvantage, favored home-cooked meals, and expressed a desire for children to assimilate to mainstream foods, but these practices could contribute to unhealthy weight status. Obesity prevention within Head Start must account for caregiver perceptions of healthy weight and incongruities between cultural values, meal practices and weight guidelines. Findings provide considerations for Head Start programs when designing culturally-relevant obesity prevention programs that are responsive to Hispanic families' cultural needs and perceptions. (author abstract)
Resource Type:
Reports & Papers
Country:
United States
State(s)/Territories/Tribal Nation(s):
Ohio

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