Ana Cristina Lindsay1, Sherrie F Wallington2, Mary L Greaney3, Maria Helena Hasselman4, Marcia Maria Tavares Machado5, Raquel S Mezzavilla4. 1. 1 Exercise and Health Sciences Department, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA. 2. 2 Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA. 3. 3 Health Studies & Department of Kinesiology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA. 4. 4 Department of Social Nutrition, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 5. 5 Department of Community Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life and timely introduction of appropriate solid foods are important determinants of weight status in infancy and later life stages. Disparities in obesity rates among young children suggest that maternal feeding practices during the first 2 years of life may contribute to these disparities. Brazilians are a growing immigrant group in the United States, yet little research has focused on parental beliefs and behaviors affecting the health of Brazilian immigrant children in the United States. Research aim: This study aimed to explore beliefs and infant-feeding practices of Brazilian immigrant mothers in the United States. METHODS: Focus group discussions were conducted with Brazilian immigrant mothers. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis and themes categorized using the socioecological model. RESULTS: Twenty-nine immigrant Brazilian mothers participated in the study. Analyses revealed that all participants breastfed their infants. The majority initiated breastfeeding soon after childbirth. However, most mothers did not exclusively breastfeed. They used formula and human milk concomitantly. Family and culture influenced mothers' infant-feeding beliefs and practices in early introduction of solid foods. CONCLUSION: As the number of children in the United States growing up in families of immigrant parents increases, understanding influences on Brazilian immigrant mothers' infant-feeding practices will be important to the development of effective interventions to promote healthy infant feeding and weight status among Brazilian children. Interventions designed for Brazilian immigrant families should incorporate an understanding of social context, family, and cultural factors to develop health promotion messages tailored to the needs of this ethnic group.
BACKGROUND: Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life and timely introduction of appropriate solid foods are important determinants of weight status in infancy and later life stages. Disparities in obesity rates among young children suggest that maternal feeding practices during the first 2 years of life may contribute to these disparities. Brazilians are a growing immigrant group in the United States, yet little research has focused on parental beliefs and behaviors affecting the health of Brazilian immigrant children in the United States. Research aim: This study aimed to explore beliefs and infant-feeding practices of Brazilian immigrant mothers in the United States. METHODS: Focus group discussions were conducted with Brazilian immigrant mothers. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis and themes categorized using the socioecological model. RESULTS: Twenty-nine immigrant Brazilian mothers participated in the study. Analyses revealed that all participants breastfed their infants. The majority initiated breastfeeding soon after childbirth. However, most mothers did not exclusively breastfeed. They used formula and human milk concomitantly. Family and culture influenced mothers' infant-feeding beliefs and practices in early introduction of solid foods. CONCLUSION: As the number of children in the United States growing up in families of immigrant parents increases, understanding influences on Brazilian immigrant mothers' infant-feeding practices will be important to the development of effective interventions to promote healthy infant feeding and weight status among Brazilian children. Interventions designed for Brazilian immigrant families should incorporate an understanding of social context, family, and cultural factors to develop health promotion messages tailored to the needs of this ethnic group.
Entities:
Keywords:
breastfeeding; breastfeeding barriers; breastfeeding practices; focus group; infant formula; mother–infant; mother–infant dyad; qualitative methods; social ecological model
Authors: Ana Cristina Lindsay; Sherrie F Wallington; Luísa M Rabello; Amanda De Sá Melo Alves; Carlos André Moura Arruda; Thaís C Rocha; Gabriela P De Andrade; Gabriela V B Vianna; Raquel de Souza Mezzavilla; Mariana Gonçalves de Oliveira; Maria Helena Hasselmann; Márcia M T Machado; Mary L Greaney Journal: J Racial Ethn Health Disparities Date: 2020-05-26
Authors: Ana Cristina Lindsay; Carlos André Moura Arruda; Gabriela Perreira De Andrade; Márcia Maria Tavares Machado; Mary L Greaney Journal: PLoS One Date: 2019-03-20 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Ana Cristina Lindsay; Sherrie F Wallington; Mary L Greaney; Marcia M Tavares Machado; Gabriela P De Andrade Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2017-11-18 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Ana Cristina Lindsay; Carlos André Moura Arruda; Márcia Maria Tavares Machado; Gabriela Pereira De Andrade; Mary L Greaney Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2018-08-06 Impact factor: 2.692
Authors: Ana Cristina Lindsay; Carlos André Moura Arruda; Márcia M Tavares Machado; Gabriela P De Andrade; Mary L Greaney Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2018-09-04 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Kelly Vowell Johnson; Allison L Scott; Marilou Shreve; Britni L Ayers; Victoria S Seaton; Pearl A McElfish Journal: Nutr Metab Insights Date: 2019-02-15