Perspectives on Obesity and Barriers to Control From Workers at a Community Center Serving Low-Income Hispanic Children and Families

Abstract

Community center workers serving children and families in a predominantly Hispanic, low-income neighborhood were interviewed qualitatively, to ascertain their perspectives on obesity and barriers to control and prevention, to design a practical and culturally appropriate intervention for obesity control.¹ All 19 respondents recognized obesity as a problem, identified healthy eating and physical activity as requisites for controlling obesity, and mentioned fast food and cultural influences in Hispanic families as contributory factors. Lack of time emerged as a major barrier to all preventive practices related to eating healthy or being physically active. Safety concerns and lack of safe places for walking and running were mentioned as a barrier to being physically active. Further studies have to be conducted with parents of at-risk children, to understand time constraints. Community health workers should be sensitive to issues of time constraints and incorporate time management recommendations into obesity prevention and education.