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Perceptions of healthy eating and physical activity in an ethnically diverse sample of young children and their parents: the DEAL prevention of obesity study.
- Source :
- Journal of Human Nutrition & Dietetics; Apr2013, Vol. 26 Issue 2, p132-144, 13p, 5 Charts
- Publication Year :
- 2013
-
Abstract
- Background Ethnicity is a consistent correlate of obesity; however, little is known about the perceptions and beliefs that may influence engagement with obesity prevention programmes among ethnic minority children. Barriers to (and facilitators of) healthy lifestyles were examined in the qualitative arm of the London ( UK) Di Et and Active Living ( DEAL) study. Methods Children aged 8-13 years and their parents, from diverse ethnic groups, were recruited through schools and through places of worship. Thirteen focus group sessions were held with 70 children ( n = 39 girls) and eight focus groups and five interviews with 43 parents ( n = 34 mothers). Results Across ethnic groups, dislike of school meals, lack of knowledge of physical activity guidelines for children and negativity towards physical education at school among girls, potentially hindered healthy living. Issues relating to families' wider neighbourhoods (e.g. fast food outlets; lack of safety) illustrated child and parental concerns that environments could thwart intentions for healthy eating and activity. By contrast, there was general awareness of key dietary messages and an emphasis on dietary variety and balance. For ethnic minorities, places of worship were key focal points for social support. Discourse around the retention of traditional practices, family roles and responsibilities, and religion highlighted both potential facilitators (e.g. the importance of family meals) and barriers (reliance on convenience stores for traditional foods). Socio-economic circumstances intersected with key themes, within and between ethnic groups. Conclusions Several barriers to (and facilitators of) healthy lifestyles were common across ethnic groups. Diversity of cultural frameworks not only were more nuanced, but also shaped lifestyles for minority children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- PREVENTION of obesity
ETHNIC groups
CHILDREN'S health
CHILD nutrition
CHURCH buildings
COMMUNITIES
FOCUS groups
FOOD service
FOOD supply
HEALTH attitudes
INTERVIEWING
SENSORY perception
PHYSICAL education
RELIGION
RESEARCH funding
SAFETY
SCHOOL environment
SHOPPING
ADOLESCENT health
ADOLESCENT nutrition
QUALITATIVE research
SOCIAL support
SOCIOECONOMIC factors
THEMATIC analysis
FAMILY roles
PARENT attitudes
HEALTH literacy
PHYSICAL activity
DESCRIPTIVE statistics
CHILDREN
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 09523871
- Volume :
- 26
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Human Nutrition & Dietetics
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 86053229
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-277X.2012.01280.x