Author : Sarah Burch
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 96 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (992 download)
Book Synopsis An Examination of the Influence of African-American Extended Family Relationships on Child Weight Status by : Sarah Burch
Download or read book An Examination of the Influence of African-American Extended Family Relationships on Child Weight Status written by Sarah Burch and published by . This book was released on 2017 with total page 96 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "In the U.S., African American children suffer from higher rates of obesity than their white peers. African American families are often multi-generational, with extended family members, especially women, caring for child relatives. Yet little is currently known about the influence of these female extended family members (EFMs) on African American children's dietary and physical activity behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between the amount of time an African American child spent with an EFM, the frequency of child physical activity and eating around the EFM, and family members' weight status. Data were collected and analyzed as part of a larger study examining relationships in African American families (n=47). Participating families consisted of the mother, her child aged 8-12 years, and an EFM. Participants were recruited from community organizations in Guilford County, North Carolina. Family Systems Theory guided the research in accordance with current literature which suggests that family-based lifestyle interventions achieve better outcomes than education or information only interventions. Eighty-eight percent of non-pregnant mothers (n=44) and 87% of non-pregnant EFMs (n=45) were classified as overweight or obese as defined by Body Mass Index (BMI) compared to 47% of the children in the study as defined by Body Mass Index For Age (BMI-For-Age). EFMs comprised 10 grandmothers, two great grandmothers, one great aunt, 19 aunts, and 15 cousins. No significant association was found between time spent with EFMs and frequency of child eating and physical activity behaviors. Children were less active around grandmothers and great grandmothers compared to aunts and cousins (p