Finding Balance: Insights from Mexican Heritage Families on Living a Healthy Lifestyle in New York City.
Jennifer Leng, Linda Ivette Gonzalez-Sarinana, Stephanie Minaya et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This clinical trial explored the perspectives of 31 Hispanic parents/caregivers with overweight or obesity in New York City regarding healthy lifestyle interventions. Through focus groups, four key themes emerged, highlighting cultural navigation, family dynamics, challenges to healthy habits, and existing knowledge about health. The findings suggest that culturally tailored family-centered interventions should leverage authoritative parenting and provide resources for healthy living.
Key findings
- Participants identified tensions over food choices due to cultural acculturation.
- Parents viewed themselves as role models, balancing guidance with children's preferences.
- Challenges to healthy habits included limited motivation and external pressures like work hours.
- Families expressed a desire for additional education and peer support on healthy lifestyles.
Why it matters
Understanding the unique challenges and cultural dynamics faced by Hispanic families can inform the development of effective interventions for obesity prevention. Culturally tailored approaches may enhance engagement and adherence to healthy lifestyle changes.