Influences on diet and physical activity among middle-class African American 8- to 10-year-old girls at risk of becoming obese.

OBJECTIVE

To understand diet, physical activity, and inactivity influences among preadolescent African American girls at risk of becoming obese.

DESIGN

Interviews and group qualitative discussions (i.e., mixed qualitative research method) were conducted separately with 8- to 10-year-old African American girls and their parents.

SETTING

Greater Houston, Texas.

PARTICIPANTS

Eight- to 10-year-old African American girls above the 50th percentile body mass index with a home computer (n = 82) and a parent (n = 74).

VARIABLES MEASURED

Influences on dietary practices and physical activity/inactivity among preadolescent African American girls.

ANALYSIS

Discussions were audiotaped, manually recorded, transcribed, and coded. The primary coder analyzed the transcribed notes. The secondary coder reviewed and critiqued the initial coding.

RESULTS

Parents and girls were concerned about overweight and viewed physical activity as a weight control practice. Mothers facilitated daughters' physical activity, while fathers and siblings were coparticipants. Girls had access to physical activity equipment and facilities. Snack food items and carbonated beverages were often limited by the parents, and water consumption was encouraged. Discrepancies were apparent between girls' and parents' responses.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Parental convenience and girls' food preferences influenced dietary intake. Obesity prevention programs should capitalize on parental motivation for their child's health and provide practical strategies to facilitate healthful eating and physical activity.