What are the Perceptions of Hispanic Parents Associated with Eating Habits of Hispanic Children Ages 6--12 and Obesity?

摘要

The main objective of this study is to identify the perceptions of Hispanic parents associated with eating habits of Hispanic children ages 6-12 and obesity. The purpose was to identify if the childu27s intake was different based on the parentu27s perception of whether or not their child had a weight problem. The idea was to examine how many times certain foods are consumed and compare that to the parentu27s perceptions. The study was a descriptive study. The childrenhad to be in the 95 th percentile and between the ages of 6-12 to qualify for the study. Parents were approached by the treating nurse and Spanish speaking interpreter when needed to explain the purpose of the study and to obtain a consent. Hispanic parents were given a consent form, demographic sheet, and 30 item food questionnaires on their childu27s well child examinations. The consent form, demographic sheet, and food questionnaire, the information was locked in a secure area in the pediatric clinic. There were 12 potential candidates that were asked to complete the questionnaires and eight out of twelve completed them. Certain foods were identified as being consumed numerous times during the week such as: pizza, macaroni and cheese, and hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and hotdogs. Activities such as video game playing, and television watching were noted to excessive in certain cases. Majority of parental responses reported they felt their child was healthy, although all children had a BMI in the 95 th percentile of more. Parents also reported that they do not perceive their child as having a weight problem