Divergent Perspectives on Food, Culture, and Health among Hmong Mothers with Middle-School Children

Abstract

This study used Q methodology to uncover the rich and divergent perspectives on food, culture and health and nutrition education among Hmong mothers with middleschool children. Forty participants were asked to rank forty statements using a sevenpoint scale and interviewed immediately after completing the ranking task. Mothers were grouped into three divergent themes based on the Q-factor analysis: traditional food culture preservers (n = 20), financially struggling health-conscious mothers (n = 11), and mothers concerned about a parent-child generational gap (n = 4). While participants shared several similar views regarding food and health issues, including the importance of rice in their lives, they demonstrated divergent perspectives on how acculturation, intergenerational value discrepancies in traditional food culture, and limited financial income contribute to obesity among Hmong, especially children. Our study also suggests that parental engagement in their children's education provides health benefits for Hmong children.

Keywords:

• food culture
• Hmong
• Q methodology
• health