The nutrition needs of low-income families regarding living healthier lifestyles

Abstract

Pediatric obesity and nutrition-related problems continue to be problematic around the world. The purpose of the current qualitative study was to learn more about the barriers low-income, minority families face to healthy living and where they turn for health-related information. Five focus groups were conducted using open-ended standardized questions. Standardized transcript analysis and coding techniques were used to arrive at five saturated themes. The project was conducted in partnership with a community based Early/Head Start agency. Adult parents of preschool children were invited to participate. Results indicate that low-income minority families face many barriers to eating healthily: while families do eat some healthy foods, they also eat many unhealthy foods; they rely primarily on family members for their nutrition information; they have some desire to change their own health habits (but generally not those of their children); and they have inadequate nutritional knowledge. Options for better reaching this population with important health information are discussed.