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ARS Home » Plains Area » Houston, Texas » Children's Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #366290
Title: Culturally adapting Healthy Dads Healthy Kids for Hispanic families: Results from formative studies

Author
item O'CONNOR, TERESIA - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)
item BELTRAN, ALICIA - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)
item PEREZ, ORIANA - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)
item ISBELL, TASIA - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)
item Thompson, Deborah - Debbe
item BARANOWSKI, TOM - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)
item ARREDONDO, ELVA - San Diego State University
item PARRA-CARDONA, RUBEN - University Of Texas At Austin
item CABRERA, NATASHA - University Of Maryland
item MORGAN, PHILIP - University Of Newcastle

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/22/2019
Publication Date: 11/7/2019
Citation: O'Connor, T., Beltran, A., Perez, O., Isbell, T., Thompson, D.J., Baranowski, T., Arredondo, E., Parra-Cardona, R., Cabrera, N., Morgan, P. 2019. Culturally adapting Healthy Dads Healthy Kids for Hispanic families: Results from formative studies [abstract]. Obesity Week 2019. November 3-7, 2019; Las Vegas, NV. Poster presentation T-P-3522.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Healthy Dads Healthy Kids (HDHK) is a lifestyle obesity intervention for fathers and children with positive outcomes in Australia. The program is novel as a gender-tailored, father-focused program. Our aim was to examine Hispanic parents and children's perspectives for the cultural adaptation of HDHK for Hispanic families in southwestern US. 44 Hispanic participants (22 dads, 13 mom and 9 children) participated in 1-5 contacts (focus groups, online survey, and/or interviews). The scripts assessed participants' perception about the HDHK content and material using the Ecological Validity Model. Participation was available in English or Spanish. Focus groups and interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated, and thematically coded. 80% of parents were foreign-born and 57% spoke only Spanish at home. 60% had not graduated from high school. Most parents were interested in a program like HDHK and liked the emphasis of fathers and children being active together. Parents resonated with the current objectives of the program and wanted to add emphasis on parenting and limiting children's screen time. The importance of promoting familism (inclusion and impact on whole family) was an important theme. Gender roles for mothers and fathers, and differences in how parents interact with male and female children emerged. Some wanted mothers more involved. A few noted a generational change of how fathers interacted with their children, compared to their own fathers. Several barriers to engagement arose including busy work schedules, physically demanding jobs, concerns of caring for children without mom, father's current fitness/weight to participate, and lack of knowledge to eat more healthfully. The reading level of the HDHK materials was too high for some parents. HDHK should be culturally adapted for Hispanic families. The literacy level was simplified. Cultural values were integrated and barriers for participation addressed.