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Title: Ethnic differences in the home food environment and parental food practices among families of low income Hispanic and African-American preschoolers

Author
item SKALA, KATHERINE - University Of Texas Health Science Center
item CHUANG, RU-JYE - University Of Texas Health Science Center
item EVANS, ALEXANDRA - University Of Texas Health Science Center
item HEDBERG, ANN-MARIE - University Of Texas Health Science Center
item DAVE, JAYNA - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)
item SHARMA, SHREELA - University Of Texas Health Science Center

Submitted to: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/2/2012
Publication Date: 12/1/2012
Citation: Skala, K., Chuang, R., Evans, A., Hedberg, A., Dave, J., Sharma, S. 2012. Ethnic differences in the home food environment and parental food practices among families of low income Hispanic and African-American preschoolers. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health. 14(6):1014-1022.

Interpretive Summary: Childhood obesity is a significant public health problem among children 2-5 years old, with one in four children being overweight or obese. The numbers are especially higher for minority ethnic groups such as Hispanics and African-Americans and those from low-income families. The family and home environment are important in shaping the dietary patterns of children. There are differences in feeding styles of African-American and Hispanic parents due to cultural factors. This paper assessed and examined ethnic differences in the home food environment, parental practices and family meal behaviors among low-income, African-American and Hispanic families of preschoolers through the use of questionnaires. With regards to the availability of foods, unhealthy foods were available for both groups. Hispanic families were more likely to have fresh fruit and vegetables, and soda available at home compared to African-Americans. On the other hand, African-Americans families were more likely to restrict and reward with dessert. Hispanic families consumed more family meals together and fewer meals in front of the television compared to African-American families. Findings from this study suggest that ethnic differences exist in the food related behaviors among families of preschoolers from minority groups and these findings reinforce the need for health promotion intervention that are more culturally appropriate.

Technical Abstract: The family and home environment are important in shaping the dietary patterns of children, yet research among low-income, minority groups is limited. We examined ethnic differences in the home food environment and parental practices among 706 low-income African-American and Hispanic families of preschoolers. Questionnaires measured the access and availability of various foods in the home, parental practices, and meal consumption behaviors. Mixed model logistic regression and ANCOVA were used to assess ethnic differences. Unhealthy foods were available for both groups. Hispanic families were more likely to have fresh vegetables (AOR=2.9, P<=0.001), fruit (AOR=2.0, P=0.004), and soda available (AOR=1.40, P=0.001)compared to African-Americans. African-Americans families were more likely to restrict (AOR=0.63, P<=0.001) and reward with dessert (AOR=0.69, P<=0.001). Hispanic families consumed more family meals together (P=0.003) and less meals in front of the television (P<=0.006). Health promotion interventions should consider the behavioral differences between ethnicities.