Faculty Abstracts

Cultural Knowledge Related to Overweight Children and the Role Of Health Ministry

Andra Opalinski, RN, MSN, PhDc
Predoctoral Fellow
School of Nursing
University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center
Denver, CO

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the cultural knowledge of members of three cultures (Hispanic community members, Haitian community members and faith community members) regarding overweight children and to examine cultural attitudes about the role of faith communities in addressing this chronic problem. Focusing on these three cultures will allow for exploration of cultural knowledge of potential users of a community health promotion program (Haitian and Hispanic) and potential providers of a health promotion program (faith community members). A long term goal will be the potential use of information gained to partner with faith communities in developing community-based nursing care actions in response to childhood overweight in a culturally appropriate way.

Background: Childhood overweight is increasingly a national concern. It is now estimated that 1 in 4 children is either overweight or at risk of being overweight. Both Hispanic and Haitian children are disproportionately affected by childhood overweight.  This may suggest that there are specific cultural issues that need to be taken into consideration when developing interventions. Exploring the cultural knowledge of these groups will provide a basis from which to start examining those cultural issues related to childhood overweight. In addition, there is a national push to develop faith-based initiatives to address issues affecting this nation’s most vulnerable individuals. This study will also explore the attitudes of both faith community leaders and Hispanic and Haitian populations about feasibility of offering community based programs for childhood overweight reduction/prevention through faith communities as a part of health ministry. 
 
Methods: The research approach for this study will be a focused ethnographic design utilizing a systematic ethnographic method known as consensus analysis. Data collection will involve an approach known as freelisting. The participants will be asked questions such as “Can you list all the reasons why children are more overweight today than ever before?”  Another question will be “Can you list all the things you would like to see done about childhood obesity?” This will allow participants to share their cultural knowledge about childhood obesity in a specific way. This design will also allow for the exploration of any shared knowledge that may exist between these three groups.

Implications: By comparing different cultural groups in their knowledge of childhood overweight and preferred treatment, evidence may be provided that childhood obesity reduction/prevention programs are beneficial and feasible to implement within ethnically diverse communities. If the cultural groups are different, future research/programming would need to focus on additional avenues for community interventions that target very specific ethnic groups.