Skip to main content
Article
The Evolving Family Mealtime: Findings From Focus Group Interviews With Hispanic Mothers
JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting
  • Amber J. Hammons, California State University, Fresno
  • Elizabeth Villegas, University of Chicago
  • Norma Olvera, University of Houston
  • Kimberly A. Greder, Iowa State University
  • Barbara Fiese, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Mararita Teran-Garcia, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Document Type
Article
Publication Version
Published Version
Publication Date
6-1-2020
DOI
10.2196/18292
Abstract

Background: Background: Given the protective effects of shared family mealtimes and the importance of family in the Hispanic culture, this context should be explored further to determine how it can be leveraged and optimized for interventions.

Objective: Objective: This study aimed to explore contextual factors associated with family mealtimes in Mexican and Puerto Rican families.

Methods: Methods: Sixty-three mothers participated in 13 focus group interviews across four states. Thematic analysis was used to analyze transcripts.

Results: Results: Sixty-three mothers participated in the focus group interviews. Seven overarching themes were identified through the thematic analysis. Themes reflected who was present at the mealtime, what occurs during mealtime, the presence of television, the influence of technology during mealtime, and how mealtimes have changed since the mothers were children.

Conclusions: Conclusions: Hispanic mothers may be adapting family mealtimes to fit their current situations and needs, keeping the television and other devices on during mealtimes, and making additional meals for multiple family members to appease everyone's tastes. All of these are areas that can be incorporated into existing culturally-tailored obesity prevention programs to help families lead healthier lives.

Comments

Hammons, A.J., Villegas, E., Olvera, N., Greder, K., Fiese, B., Teran-Garcia, M., The Evolving Family Mealtime: Findings From Focus Group Interviews With Hispanic Mothers. JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting June 2020, Doi: 10.2196/18292. Posted with permission.

Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
Copyright Owner
The Author(s)
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
Amber J. Hammons, Elizabeth Villegas, Norma Olvera, Kimberly A. Greder, et al.. "The Evolving Family Mealtime: Findings From Focus Group Interviews With Hispanic Mothers" JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting (2020)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/kimberly_greder/60/