The prevalence of overweight among children in the United States has increased markedly during the past several decades. Latino children are at particular risk of overweight. Childhood overweight is partially due to behavioral factors, and parental behaviors are thought to be important influences on children’s obesity. However, most studies have examined a narrow range of parental behaviors, and few have focused on Latino children. This longitudinal research examines parental and family member dietary-related behaviors, including child-feeding practices, parental modeling of eating, and family meals. We will assess (a) whether parental and extended family members’ dietary-related behaviors predict children’s dietary intake; (b) whether parental and extended family members’ behaviors predict children’s weight gain, mediated by children’s dietary intake; and (c) the effects of socioeconomic status and cultural factors on parental behaviors. Specific cultural factors to be included are extended family support, perceptions of food, and preferred child body size. We will recruit 376 Mexican American children, ages 8-9, and their parents, from the membership lists of a large HMO. At annual home visits over a two-year period, we will assess child-feeding practices, dietary intake, physical activity, and anthropometric data. The study will provide vital information for family-focused behavioral interventions targeting obesity among Mexican American children, particularly regarding parental behaviors that influence the development of obesity.
Principal Investigator: Jeanne M. Tschann
Co-Investigators: Lauri Pasch, Elena Flores (USF), Louise Greenspan (Kaiser SF), Nancy Butte (Baylor), Steven Gregorich, Mel Heyman, Julianna Deardorff
Funding Source: NIH/NHLBI
Funding Period: 7/15/07 – 4/30/12
