Growing healthy kids: parents' of preschoolers perceptions based on hours worked, work status, and ethnicity
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship/differences between
the pre-kindergarteners' parents/guardians' hours worked, work status, and ethnicity on
the influence scores: nutrition interest, nutrition and physical activity as a major concern
for their family, and weight as a major influence of their child's physical and
psychological development. A questionnaire was used to obtain the desired information.
Forty-three parents/guardians' of pre-kindergarteners aged 18 to 45 years participated in
the study. Most participants indicated a desire to receive obesity prevention information.
No parent indicated s/he did not want information about nutrition and physical activity.
Also, Hispanic and unemployed participants realized the impact of weight on their child's
physical and psychological development. It is clear that participants from the present
study understood the importance of obesity prevention for their children. Cultural
sensitivity should be addressed when planning educational programs, particularly when
the need exists to target a specific ethnic group.