Diet and physical activity changes among low-income families: perspectives of mothers and their children

• Main Authors: Jenny Zhen-Duan, Bery Engebretsen, Helena H. Laroche
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2019-01-01
• Series: International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health & Well-Being
• Subjects: diet; family; obesity; parent-child relations; physical activity
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2019.1658700

Purpose: The current study explored how mothers and their children influence each other’s diet and physical activity. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with women with diabetes and their children (N = 18) from eight low-income families. Results: Two approaches to changes emerged: collaborative and non-collaborative. Families using collaborative approaches believed they could sustain positive changes through accepting family changes, encouragement, abstaining from buying certain foods, modelling and compromise. Within families using non-collaborative approaches, some challenges included using more individualistic approaches and poor communication. Lack of information and resource constraints challenged all families. Conclusion: Interventions should reinforce family collaborative approaches and teach skills for families to work together towards a healthier lifestyle.