Perspectives of Black/African American and Hispanic parents and children living in under-resourced communities regarding factors that influence food choices and decisions: A qualitative investigation

Authors: Thompson, Deborah - Debbe; CALLENDER, CHISHINGA - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC); VELAZQUEZ, DENISSE - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC); ADERA, MEHERET - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC); DAVE, JAYNA - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC); OLVERA, NORMA - University Of Houston; CHEN, TZU - University Of Houston; GOLDSWORTHY, NATALIE - Common Threads

Submitted to: Children
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/9/2021
Publication Date: 3/18/2021
Citation: Thompson, D.J., Callender, C., Velazquez, D., Adera, M., Dave, J.M., Olvera, N., Chen, T.A., Goldsworthy, N. 2021. Perspectives of Black/African American and Hispanic parents and children living in under-resourced communities regarding factors that influence food choices and decisions: A qualitative investigation. Children. 8(3):236. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8030236.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/children8030236

Interpretive Summary: Families living in underserved communities are at risk of obesity. Understanding their perspectives of factors that influence their food-related choices and decisions may provide insight into how to design interventions designed to address their specific needs. Using the Socio Ecological Model as a guide, personal (beliefs, culture, time) and family factors (mother, time demands, family preferences, and father) were important influences on the family from the parents' perspective. For children, important influences were personal (preference, beliefs, taste) and family (mother). For both parents and children, family, especially the mother, was the strongest influence. This research supports existing evidence that a family-based approach is needed for child obesity prevention. Personal factors, such as beliefs around food, should also be addressed.

Technical Abstract: Families living in under-resourced communities are at risk of obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases. To develop effective interventions, it is important to identify parent and child perspectives of factors that influence food-related choices and decisions. This paper reports qualitative findings from a larger mixed method study investigating this topic. Hybrid thematic analysis was used to code and analyze the interviews. Family-generated photographs of factors influencing food choices were discussed during the interviews. Qualitative findings were organized by the socio-ecological model. Verbatim quotes and photographs were used to support themes. Thirty-six interviews were conducted (18 parents, 18 children). Findings from parents revealed personal (e.g., culture, beliefs, time), family (e.g., mother, child, father, health, finances, cohesiveness), environmental (e.g., availability, convenience, cost), and other (e.g., school food) factors influenced food choices. Similarly, child-reported influences were personal (e.g., preferences, beliefs, taste), family (e.g., mother, family encouragement, father, family time), social (e.g., school, friends), environmental (e.g., availability), and other (e.g., media, sports). The socio-ecological model provided a useful framework for identifying factors that influence food choices and decisions of families living in under-resourced communities. A deeper understanding of these factors could enhance both responsiveness and effectiveness of interventions to enhance diet and reduce obesity risk in families living in under-resourced communities.