Paper
Thursday, 20 July 2006
This presentation is part of : Issues in Child and Adolescent Health
Elementary School Age Children's Nutritional Needs: Perceptions of Low-Income Urban Caretakers
Lynn E. Kelly, PhD, RN and Barbara J. Patterson, PhD, RN. School of Nursing, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA
Learning Objective #1: identify two barriers to a healthy diet in low-income school age urban childen.
Learning Objective #2: describe caretaker perceptions of childhood nutrition.
Childhood obesity is endemic among poor children, placing them at risk for conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.  Dietary habits play a major role in the development of these health problems. These habits are influenced by many factors and are well developed early in childhood.  In order to promote sound dietary practices, education with families requires educators possess not only sound nutritional knowledge but also an understanding of how food and nutrition are viewed by the study population. 

The overall goal of this study was to explore what poor urban caretakers of school age children understand about childhood nutrition, and what attitudes and beliefs influence meal choices as well as how they perceive their child’s nutritional status.  

The research design was a focused ethnography. The setting was a low-income urban community located in the mid-Atlantic region. Sampling was purposive and convenient.  Seventeen caretakers, aged 18-47 years old, having a child in grades first to third were the key informants.  Four focus groups were conducted. Demographic data was obtained on all participants. Observations in the school cafeteria and surrounding community were conducted. Data were collected until saturation occurred. A qualitative computer program was used to assist with data management and analysis.

Knowing the right things children should eat and balancing healthy nutrition with unhealthy choices were the major themes.  Influences on meal preparation included tradition, finances, time restraints, and role models. Multiple barriers and facilitators impacted a healthy diet selection.

Awareness of good nutrition was present with this population; however, implementing a healthy diet remains a significant challenge.  Interventions geared towards eliminating the barriers and facilitating access to healthy habits is the next step.

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See more of The 17th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice (19-22 July 2006)