A focus group study of African-American obese children in Mississippi

Obesity is at epidemic levels in the United States and other western countries. Ethnic minority children are disproportionately affected. The purposes of this study are to provide a framework for conducting focus group studies and to inform regarding the experiences of overweight AA children. Seventeen children, ages 8 -11, participated in the study. Six themes emerged were: (1) Weight Wish, (2) Peer Relations, (3) Family Life, (4) Favorite Foods, (5) Entertainment and Physical Activities, and (6) Weight reduction activities. Results suggest that children desire to lose weight, but may not have the mechanisms at home or school to support this desire. The Davis' Checklist for conducting focus groups of children is provided.