Hispanic caregivers' preferences for content, delivery methods, and sources of nutrition education from their child's preschool: Qualitative research findings

Authors

Stacey B. Viera, Milken Institute School of Public Health, 8367The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Nikita Vivekanandan, Milken Institute School of Public Health, 8367The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Marshall Cheney, Department of Health and Exercise Science, 6187University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA.
Daisy Le, School of Nursing, Policy, Populations and Systems Community, 8367The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Karina R. Lora, Milken Institute School of Public Health, 8367The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-13-2023

Journal

Nutrition and health

DOI

10.1177/02601060221146321

Keywords

Hispanic caregivers; Qualitative research; communications preferences; feeding strategies; nutrition education

Abstract

With the obesity epidemic disproportionately affecting Hispanic children and preschool being a critical period when interventions may be effective to prevent it, nutrition education interventions in the preschool setting have the potential to stem obesity's spread. However, the nutrition education needs of low-income Hispanic populations and methods of delivery of that information require further exploration as culturally tailored approaches have seen limited reach to the target audience. To explore content, delivery methods, and sources of nutrition education that Hispanic caregivers prefer to receive from their child's preschool. Qualitative interviews with 25 self-identified Hispanic caregivers (≥18 years of age) of 3- to 5-year-old children at Head Start centers in the Washington, D.C., area. Caregivers were interviewed about preferred nutrition education topics, how nutrition education should be delivered, and by whom. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis in NVivo v12. Caregivers wanted to know about healthy foods and appropriate portion sizes to feed their children, fruit and vegetable feeding strategies, and how to incorporate Hispanic foods in healthy meals. Preferred delivery methods included receiving nutrition education and recipes in print and digital formats and in-person nutrition classes. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children educators were regarded as trusted nutrition education sources. Tailored nutrition education messages combined with multiple delivery methods could be an effective way to reach Hispanic caregivers of preschoolers to increase their nutrition knowledge.

APA Citation

Viera, Stacey B.; Vivekanandan, Nikita; Cheney, Marshall; Le, Daisy; and Lora, Karina R., "Hispanic caregivers' preferences for content, delivery methods, and sources of nutrition education from their child's preschool: Qualitative research findings" (2023). GW Authored Works. Paper 2273.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/2273

Department

Exercise and Nutrition Sciences