Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2025

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Impact of Reduced Resistance Exercise Volume on Metabolic Health
Published on: December 1, 2023
Deciphering Dichos for Nutrition and Health Discussion: A Qualitative Study Among Men of Mexican Origin With or
Antonio Miranda1, Claudia Sánchez2, David O Garcia3
1Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX.
Objective:
This study investigates the potential use of dichos (colloquial Spanish sayings) in nutrition and health education for men of Mexican origin, focusing on their recognizability, traditional meanings, and health topic applicability.
Design:
A qualitative study that included individual interviews (n = 12) and pile sort methodology to explore 16 dichos. Interviews discussed dicho recognizability and traditional meaning. The pile sort explored the applicability of dichos for health topics. Finally, participants elaborated on the potential utility of dichos for nutrition and health education.
Setting:
At-home, one-on-one interviews.
Participants:
Mexican-origin, native-Spanish-speaking males with a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2.
Phenomenon Of Interest:
The potential application of dichos for nutrition and health education.
Analysis:
Dichos were scored for recognizability (total of 12 participants). The qualitative analysis involved 4 cycle coding for the identification of the traditional meaning and health topic applicability of dichos.
Results:
Eleven of the 16 dichos were recognized and defined by 100% of participants. Qualitative analysis revealed the meanings of dichos that are applicable to the health topics of healthy eating, physical activity, health motivation, social support, and stress management. All participants supported the viability of dichos as a linguistic educational tool.
Conclusions And Implications:
Dichos may serve as a cultural-linguistic strategy in nutrition education for men of Mexican origin with or at risk for type 2 diabetes.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
Study Designs in Epidemiology
Observational studies are those where the researcher does not intervene but rather observes natural variations. They include cross-sectional, cohort, and...
Cancer Prevention
Some...
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications

