Abstract
Our goal was to explore the perceived determinants of obesity in Brazilian, Latin American and Haitian women. This is part
of an ongoing community-based participatory intervention. Focus groups by immigrant group were conducted and themes extracted.
Women expressed differences in beliefs, attitudes, and barriers regarding diet and physical activity in the US versus their
home country. Participants thought food in the US is “less natural,” there is less time for preparation, and there is more
variety. The weather is a barrier to physical activity in the US and work is more physically demanding. Job-related efforts
were not considered physical activity. They reported higher levels of stress, less control of their time and less social support
in the US. Providing immigrants with appropriate support and education early in the acculturation process has the potential
to help prevent obesity.
of an ongoing community-based participatory intervention. Focus groups by immigrant group were conducted and themes extracted.
Women expressed differences in beliefs, attitudes, and barriers regarding diet and physical activity in the US versus their
home country. Participants thought food in the US is “less natural,” there is less time for preparation, and there is more
variety. The weather is a barrier to physical activity in the US and work is more physically demanding. Job-related efforts
were not considered physical activity. They reported higher levels of stress, less control of their time and less social support
in the US. Providing immigrants with appropriate support and education early in the acculturation process has the potential
to help prevent obesity.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-012-9665-8
- Authors
- Alison Tovar, John Hancock Research Center on Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Obesity Prevention, Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, 150 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Aviva Must, John Hancock Research Center on Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Obesity Prevention, Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, 150 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Nesly Metayer, John Hancock Research Center on Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Obesity Prevention, Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, 150 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA
- David M. Gute, Civil and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA
- Alex Pirie, Immigrant Service Providers Group/Health, c/o Somerville Community Corporation, 337 Somerville Avenue, 2nd Floor, Somerville, MA 02143, USA
- Raymond R. Hyatt, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Christina D. Economos, John Hancock Research Center on Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Obesity Prevention, Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, 150 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912