Addressing childhood overweight: strategies learned from one Latino community.

The purpose of this study is to understand one Latino community's perspective about childhood overweight within this high-risk ethnic group. Three focus groups, consisting of 12 mothers, 12 fathers, and 8 boys and 4 girls ages 10-12, participated. Transcripts of interviews were coded using N-VIVO and analyzed thematically. Several themes emerge: parents' demanding work schedules, lack of time, transportation issues, opportunities for physical activities, and lack of meal preparation. Participants knew good nutrition and exercise help prevent obesity. Nursing interventions must address multiple challenges with childhood obesity at the family and community levels.