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Healthcare Providers’ Perceptions of the Factors Contributing to Infant Obesity in a Low‐Income Mexican American Community
Author(s) -
Johnson Susan L.,
Clark Lauren,
Goree Kristen,
O’Connor Mary,
Zimmer Lorena Marquez
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal for specialists in pediatric nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.499
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1744-6155
pISSN - 1539-0136
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-6155.2008.00152.x
Subject(s) - focus group , childhood obesity , mexican americans , health care , medicine , ambivalence , obesity , nursing , ethnic group , family medicine , gerontology , overweight , psychology , social psychology , business , political science , marketing , law
PURPOSE. To examine healthcare professionals’ perceptions of Mexican American infant feeding practices and obesity.DESIGN AND METHODS. Five provider focus groups ( n = 38 providers) were conducted in two agencies in the Denver area on the topic of contributors to childhood obesity in the Mexican American community. RESULTS. Healthcare providers believe obesity in Mexican American infants is related to: (a) a chubby baby being a healthy baby, (b) introducing complementary foods early, (c) extended family members’ infant feeding practices, (d) offering infants high‐calorie foods, and (e) prolonged bottle feeding and sweet beverages. Providers reported ambivalence regarding their role in addressing infant obesity.PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Healthcare providers working with Mexican American families should deliver consistent, culturally specified messages regarding infant feeding and activity practices.