Reframing family-centred obesity prevention using the Family Ecological Model.

Davison, Kirsten K; Jurkowski, Janine M; Lawson, Hal A

ObjectiveAccording to the Family Ecological Model (FEM), parenting behaviours are shaped by the contexts in which families are embedded. In the present study, we utilize the FEM to guide a mixed-methods community assessment and summarize the results. Additionally, we discuss the utility of the FEM and outline possible improvements.DesignUsing a cross-sectional design, qualitative and quantitative methods were used to examine the ecologies of parents' cognitions and behaviours specific to children's diet, physical activity and screen-based behaviours. Results were mapped onto constructs outlined in the FEM.SettingThe study took place in five Head Start centres in a small north-eastern city. The community assessment was part of a larger study to develop and evaluate a family-centred obesity prevention programme for low-income families.SubjectsParticipants included eighty-nine low-income parents/caregivers of children enrolled in Head Start.ResultsParents reported a broad range of factors affecting their parenting cognitions and behaviours. Intrafamilial factors included educational and cultural backgrounds, family size and a lack of social support from partners. Organizational factors included staff stability at key organizations, a lack of service integration and differing school routines. Community factors included social connectedness to neighbours/friends, shared norms around parenting and the availability of safe public housing and play spaces. Policy- and media-related factors included requirements of public assistance programmes, back-to-work policies and children's exposure to food advertisements.ConclusionsBased on these findings, the FEM was refined to create an evidence-based, temporally structured logic model to support and guide family-centred research in childhood obesity prevention.

PREVENTION of obesity; ECOLOGICAL family therapy; PARENT attitudes; CROSS-sectional method; CHILD nutrition; PARENT-child relationships

Public Health Nutrition, 2013, Vol 16, Issue 10, p1861

1368-9800

Academic Journal

10.1017/S1368980012004533