title: Prevention of childhood obesity: sociocultural and familial factors.
abstract: This study examined sociocultural and familial factors related to the prevention of childhood obesity. Primary caregivers of 6- to 10-year-old children representing several ethnic populations in Saipan participated in 4 focus groups (N=32). Trained moderators used semi-structured interviews and qualitative methods were used in data analysis. A central theme with several related factors emerged. The theme was a conflict expressed by the primary caregiver between sociocultural values, family expectations, traditional dietary beliefs and attitudes, and knowledge about food and disease. These findings have important implications for designing culturally sensitive interventions for prevention of childhood obesity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, College of Education, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA. brussm@wmich.edu
authors.forename: Mozhdeh B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Bruss
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dannison
mesh_terms: D017028:Caregivers; D002648:Child; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008849:Micronesia; D009765:Obesity / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012919:Social Behavior