Thesis
A study of low-income Latina mothers: factors influencing their underestimation of the weight status of their preschool children
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2017
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/103641
Abstract
Childhood obesity remains prevalent within the United States, influencing chronic diseases and additional health related conditions (CDC, 2015). There are currently higher rates of obesity among Hispanic-origin preschool children (i.e. 2-5 year olds) (Ogden et al., 2016). Parents play a crucial role in the risk of overweight and obesity for their child, as they regulate their child's nutrition and health behaviors. This study focused on maternal perceptions and concern over their child's weight status, as current literature is limited. Three separate studies were analyzed to examine five factors (i.e. gender, maternal BMI status, maternal education status, generational status and acculturation) that predict underestimation and concern about children's weight status in low-income, Latina mothers. Overall, results for each predictor and study varied. The majority of the hypotheses were supported by at least one study, with more significant results from the second study. Gender was the only predictor that was not associated with maternal underestimation and maternal concern of their child's weight status in any study. Mothers with a higher BMI status were more likely to underestimate, and had more concern for, their child's weight status in the second study. Mothers who held a higher education status were less likely to underestimate, and showed less concern for, their child's weight status in the second study. Mothers born in the US were less concerned over their child's weight status in studies one and two. Lastly, when all of the predictors were combined, maternal underestimation of their child's weight status was predicted by two variables (i.e. maternal BMI status and maternal education status in study two) and maternal concern for their child's weight status was predicted by two variables (i.e. maternal country of birth in study one and maternal BMI status in study two). This study contributes to the literature on associations between attitudes and beliefs of mothers and the weight status of their children for low-income Latino families, specifically with classification and concern about their child's weight status. Understanding these factors may further benefit prevention programs and interventions, specifically those that aim to prevent childhood obesity.
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Details
- Title
- A study of low-income Latina mothers
- Creators
- Jackelyn Hidalgo-Mendez
- Contributors
- Louise Anne Parker (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Human Development, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525039601842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis