Engaging Caregivers in School-Based Obesity Prevention Initiatives in a Predominantly Latino Immigrant Community: A Qualitative Analysis

To explore caregiver perceptions of, and barriers and facilitators to, their involvement in school-based obesity prevention programs in underserved Latino immigrant communities.

Focus groups discussions were conducted with caregivers (n = 42) at 7 elementary schools with an academic partnership-based obesity prevention program. Thematic analysis was used to identify key findings in the data.

Caregivers described their role as (1) learners of new and often complex health information using their children as primary messengers and (2) champions within their homes in which healthier choices are assimilated. Barriers to involvement included lack of time, financial pressures, unhealthy family practices, and concern that attempts to engage peers would be perceived as intrusive. Facilitators included assurance that stigmatizing health issues would be addressed with sensitivity.

Caregiver involvement in obesity prevention may be fostered by transmitting information through children, addressing cultural barriers, and avoiding potentially stigmatizing approaches to delivering health messages.