Factors related to maternal feeding practices of mothers of Mexican American and Anglo obese preschool children

Abstract

The purpose of this secondary analysis of data was to investigate the relationship between a maternal behavioral factor and maternal cognitive/perceptual factors in Mexican American and Anglo obese preschool children. The maternal behavior factor was represented by maternal feeding practices. The maternal cognitive/perceptual factors were represented by the maternal nutritional knowledge, acculturation level, values of perceived personal control over body weight, and ideal infant body size. The purposive sample consisted of 33 pairs of Mexican American and 15 pairs of Anglo mothers with obese children. The findings indicated that maternal knowledge, value of perceived personal control over body weight and acculturation level were related to maternal feeding practices. The results suggest directions for developing prevention programs for childhood obesity.