Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Volume 114, Issue 4, 2014, Pages 562-569

A qualitative study of family healthy lifestyle behaviors of Mexican-American and Mexican immigrant fathers and mothers (Article)

Turner B.J.* , Navuluri N. , Winkler P. , Vale S. , Finley E.
  • a University of Texas, Health Science Center San Antonio, United States, University of Texas School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, United States
  • b South Central Area Health Education Center, United States
  • c South Central Area Health Education Center, United States
  • d University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, United States
  • e Veterans Evidence-Based Research, Dissemination, and Implementation Center (VERDICT), South Texas Veterans Health Care System, United States, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, United States, University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, United States

Abstract

This study qualitatively examines contrasting parental decision-making styles about family food choices and physical activities as well as willingness to change behaviors among Mexican-American and Mexican immigrant mothers and fathers of school-aged children. Twelve sex-specific focus groups were held in English or Spanish in 2012. Qualitative analysis informed by grounded theory examined parenting styles (ie, authoritative, authoritarian, or permissive), barriers to healthy lifestyle, and parents' stage of change about healthy lifestyles. One third of the 33 participating couples were born in Mexico. The majority of mothers and fathers described being permissive and allowing unhealthy food choices, and a minority of mothers reported more authoritarian approaches to promoting a healthier diet for their children. Mothers were more permissive than fathers about family physical activities and less engaged in these activities. Most mothers and fathers described only contemplating a healthier diet and more physical activity, while wanting their children to have a healthier lifestyle. These data suggest that clinicians need to assess and address differential parental roles when promoting a healthy lifestyle for children. Clinicians should also adopt culturally competent approaches to overcome barriers to parental engagement in diverse aspects of a healthy family lifestyle. © 2014 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Author Keywords

Obesity Mexican-American Children Parenting styles Stages of change

Index Keywords

information processing Parents lifestyle Life Style psychological aspect Stages of change Mexican-American Parenting styles human Health Behavior middle aged obesity feeding behavior family health ethnology qualitative research Humans migrant Adolescent parent male Emigrants and Immigrants preschool child female Infant Child, Preschool Parent-Child Relations Mexican American Article adult Motor Activity children body mass Body Mass Index Focus Groups child parent relation Mexican Americans Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84896320137&doi=10.1016%2fj.jand.2013.12.010&partnerID=40&md5=4e14b845bcdfab7a212e8cade4710e31
DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2013.12.010
ISSN: 22122672
Cited by: 15
Original Language: English