Infant Obesity Prevention Programs for Underrepresented Mothers in a Home Visiting Program: A Qualitative and...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Nutrition Science
• Community Health

Background:

• Infant obesity is a significant public health concern, particularly among underserved populations.
• Home visiting programs offer a platform to address health behaviors during the critical prenatal to age three period.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify needs and priorities for infant obesity prevention programs.
• To inform the development of culturally and contextually relevant interventions for low-income families.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative, community-engaged assessment involving 32 stakeholders.
• Data collection through group assessment sessions and individual qualitative interviews.

Main Results:

• Families face significant challenges in healthy eating, a key factor in infant obesity.
• Stakeholders emphasized the need for realistic feeding options, non-judgmental peer support, and improved resource access.
• Program content should be tailored to individual family needs, preferences, and cultural contexts.

Conclusions:

• Infant obesity prevention programs must incorporate community-identified needs and preferences.
• Tailored interventions, peer support, and resource accessibility are crucial for success in underserved populations.
• Utilizing community stakeholders and the target population as a roadmap ensures program relevance and effectiveness.