The Lived Experience of a Hispanic Family and Childhood Obesity: A Case Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Mexican-American children are 1.6 times more likely to be obese than white children (Office of Minority Health, 2012). This qualitative case study of a Hispanic infant explores the feeding practices of one Hispanic family. In a face-to face interview using open-ended questions, a 19 year-old Hispanic mother described her relationship with her child's provider, infant feeding practices used, family influences in care, cultural perceptions of overweight and obesity, and health teaching coordinated by her child's provider. Three themes, based on Watson's Caring Theory, emerged from the data: importance of establishing a meaningful relationship between families and health care providers, cultural influences, and teaching and learning principles. Clinical implications include the importance of establishing a trusting relationship with the patient and family, respecting cultural influences on feeding practices and family involvement in care, and developing individualized teaching plans. It is recommended that future research include a larger sample size.