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.
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 infantobesity. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Healthcare providers working with Mexican American families should deliver consistent, culturally specified messages regarding infant feeding and activity practices.
Authors: Elizabeth Cespedes; Gloria Oliva Martínez Andrade; Guadalupe Rodríguez-Oliveros; Ricardo Perez-Cuevas; Marco A González-Unzaga; Amalia Benitez Trejo; Jess Haines; Matthew W Gillman; Elsie M Taveras Journal: Int J Pers Cent Med Date: 2012-09
Authors: Alexandra Evans; Jennifer Greenberg Seth; Shanna Smith; Karol Kaye Harris; Jennifer Loyo; Carol Spaulding; Mary Van Eck; Nell Gottlieb Journal: Matern Child Health J Date: 2011-10