Abstract
The family and home environment are important in shaping the dietary patterns of children, yet research among low-income,
minority groups is limited. We examined ethnic differences in the home food environment and parental practices among 706 low-income,
African-American and Hispanic families of preschoolers. Questionnaires measured the access and availability of various foods
in the home, parental practices, and meal consumption behaviors. Mixed model logistic regression and ANCOVA were used to assess
ethnic differences. Unhealthy foods were available for both groups. Hispanic families were more likely to have fresh vegetables
(AOR = 2.9, P ≤ 0.001), fruit (AOR = 2.0, P = 0.004), and soda available (AOR = 1.40, P = 0.001) compared to African-Americans. African-Americans families were more likely to restrict (AOR = 0.63, P ≤ 0.001) and reward with dessert (AOR = 0.69, P ≤ 0.001). Hispanic families consumed more family meals together (P = 0.003) and less meals in front of the television (P ≤ 0.006). Health promotion interventions should consider the behavioral differences between ethnicities.
minority groups is limited. We examined ethnic differences in the home food environment and parental practices among 706 low-income,
African-American and Hispanic families of preschoolers. Questionnaires measured the access and availability of various foods
in the home, parental practices, and meal consumption behaviors. Mixed model logistic regression and ANCOVA were used to assess
ethnic differences. Unhealthy foods were available for both groups. Hispanic families were more likely to have fresh vegetables
(AOR = 2.9, P ≤ 0.001), fruit (AOR = 2.0, P = 0.004), and soda available (AOR = 1.40, P = 0.001) compared to African-Americans. African-Americans families were more likely to restrict (AOR = 0.63, P ≤ 0.001) and reward with dessert (AOR = 0.69, P ≤ 0.001). Hispanic families consumed more family meals together (P = 0.003) and less meals in front of the television (P ≤ 0.006). Health promotion interventions should consider the behavioral differences between ethnicities.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-012-9575-9
- Authors
- Katherine Skala, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7000 Fannin Ste. 2510I, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Ru-Jye Chuang, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7000 Fannin Ste. 2510I, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Alexandra Evans, Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Ann-Marie Hedberg, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7000 Fannin Ste. 2510I, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jayna Dave, USDA.ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Shreela Sharma, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7000 Fannin Ste. 2510I, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912