RESUMEN
We used Spearman's rho correlations and descriptive statistics (α = 0.05) to explore relationships between maternal eating behaviors (disinhibition, cognitive restraint, and susceptibility to hunger) and frequency of consumption of specific food groups (dairy, fruits, vegetables, meats) in a rural Mexican-American population. Analyses were based on the mothers' responses to the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire and Willett's Food Frequency Questionnaire. Cognitive restraint was associated with greater frequency of consumption of vegetables, whereas disinhibition was associated with less frequent consumption of fruit. Susceptibility to hunger may have indirectly influenced the latter by enhancing the level of disinhibition. Mean frequency of consumption of vegetables (1-3 times per month) and fruits (once per week) was less than Healthy People 2020 targets. Additional research is needed to better understand factors contributing to these eating behaviors and patterns. To do so will require developing diet assessment tools that reflect foods typically consumed by this population.
Asunto(s)
Dieta/etnología , Conducta Alimentaria/etnología , Americanos Mexicanos/psicología , Madres/psicología , Población Rural/estadística & datos numéricos , Adolescente , Adulto , Índice de Masa Corporal , Femenino , Preferencias Alimentarias , Frutas , Humanos , Verduras , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Although most Hispanic/Latino-American mothers initiate breastfeeding, duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding remain low. We explored whether a motivational interviewing (MI) intervention could help rural Mexican-American mothers continue breastfeeding. We used a two-group (MI intervention n = 26, attention control [AC] n = 27) repeated measures experimental design. Assessments and interventions occurred at 3 days, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks postpartum (time points when mothers are particularly vulnerable to discontinuing breastfeeding), with a final phone assessment at 6 months postpartum. We collected demographic data and measured intent to breastfeed for 6 months (intent question), self-efficacy (Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form), and collected breastfeeding information (breastfeeding assessment questionnaire). Independent t-tests and Mann Whitney U non-parametric tests were used to evaluate group differences (α = 0.05). High levels of attrition by week 6 impaired our ability to evaluate the potential of our MI intervention. No significant differences were found between groups for any of the outcome variables (intent to breastfeed for 6 months, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and duration of breastfeeding). Though the mothers intended to breastfeed for 6 months and were confident in their ability to do so, most did not breastfeed for 6 months. At 6 months, mothers receiving the MI intervention had breastfed an average of 90 days compared to 82 days for those receiving the AC sessions and 22% of the mothers in each group were still breastfeeding at some level. Because of the impact of attrition during this study, we discuss factors that contributed to attrition and approaches to lessen this problem in future studies. Such efforts may require a greater investment of time and resources and should be budgeted accordingly. Culturally appropriate interventions are needed to help rural Mexican-American mothers meet their breastfeeding goals, thus providing an opportunity to reduce their children's risk of multiple diseases and obesity. Only when we address these considerations will we have an opportunity to decrease health disparities, promote healthy behaviors, and be trusted health care partners.
Asunto(s)
Lactancia Materna/etnología , Conductas Relacionadas con la Salud/etnología , Americanos Mexicanos/educación , Entrevista Motivacional/normas , Cooperación del Paciente , Salud Rural , Lactancia Materna/psicología , Femenino , Educación en Salud/métodos , Humanos , Conducta Materna , Americanos Mexicanos/etnología , Entrevista Motivacional/métodos , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study of Mexican-American mothers of 2-6 year old children was to explore the relationships among maternal attitude, perceived behavioral controls, mother's intent, mother's regulation of her own Simple Carbohydrate Intake (SCI), and mother's child feeding behaviors. The overall objective was to increase understanding of the complex process of intention to eat healthy. METHODS: A prospective exploratory design using a convenience sample of a cohort of 82 Mexican-American mothers was used in this study. Structured questionnaires were selected to measure cognitive restraint, disinhibition, hunger, intent to regulate SCI, and mothers' monitoring, restricting, and pressuring of children's diets. Descriptive statistics and correlations were analyzed for each relationship. RESULTS: The relationships between disinhibition, hunger, cognitive restraint, and the intent variable were significant. More than half of these mothers reported limiting soda and candy for themselves. According to the Food Frequency Questionnaire, mothers were regulating only one-third of simple carbohydrate items they intended to regulate. Significant relationships were found between mothers' regulation of her specific SCI and her control of child feeding behaviors including pressuring, monitoring, and restricting. CONCLUSION: The findings support the idea that mother's eating behaviors, attitudes, and intent may affect how they feed their pre-school children. Nurses need to develop and test interventions targeted at educating Mexican-American mothers about healthy food choices and healthy child feeding behaviors.