Cultural Influences on the Weight, Diet, and Physical Activity of Pregnant Immigrant Latinas

Cultural Influences on the Weight, Diet, and Physical Activity of Pregnant Immigrant Latinas by Martha Eugenia Dominguez Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health – Community Health Walden University November 2016 Abstract The problem addressed in this phenomenological study is how culture and acculturation can potentially influence gestational weight during pregnancy, leading to overweight and obesity among immigrant Latinas. To understand the possible influence of culture and acculturation on the diet, exercise, and weight of pregnant immigrant Latinas, the experiences of immigrant Latinas who had undergone a pregnancy in Mexico and were pregnant in California were examined. The ecological model theory was applied as a framework for exploring the participants’ experiences regarding nutrition, physical activity, and weight gain. Semistructured interviews with 10 qualified participants were conducted. Data analysis entailed an inductive approach based on the following phases of qualitative data analysis: data reduction, data display, and conclusion and verification. Clustered responses were presented around the major themes. Six major themes were derived from the data. These were: (a) bicultural lifestyles; (b) personal adjustments relating to pregnancy and prenatal care; (c) low levels of social and relational support; (d) adjustments regarding diet, nutrition, food security, and access; (e) changes in the form and extent of physical activity in the United States; and (f) rapid weight gain experienced during pregnancies undergone in the United States. Social change implications include encouraging public health professionals, health educators, and community health workers to focus on the importance of culture and acculturation on the health of Latinas in order to ensure positive infant and maternal health outcomes.The problem addressed in this phenomenological study is how culture and acculturation can potentially influence gestational weight during pregnancy, leading to overweight and obesity among immigrant Latinas. To understand the possible influence of culture and acculturation on the diet, exercise, and weight of pregnant immigrant Latinas, the experiences of immigrant Latinas who had undergone a pregnancy in Mexico and were pregnant in California were examined. The ecological model theory was applied as a framework for exploring the participants’ experiences regarding nutrition, physical activity, and weight gain. Semistructured interviews with 10 qualified participants were conducted. Data analysis entailed an inductive approach based on the following phases of qualitative data analysis: data reduction, data display, and conclusion and verification. Clustered responses were presented around the major themes. Six major themes were derived from the data. These were: (a) bicultural lifestyles; (b) personal adjustments relating to pregnancy and prenatal care; (c) low levels of social and relational support; (d) adjustments regarding diet, nutrition, food security, and access; (e) changes in the form and extent of physical activity in the United States; and (f) rapid weight gain experienced during pregnancies undergone in the United States. Social change implications include encouraging public health professionals, health educators, and community health workers to focus on the importance of culture and acculturation on the health of Latinas in order to ensure positive infant and maternal health outcomes. Cultural Influences on the Weight, Diet, and Physical Activity of Pregnant Immigrant Latinas by Martha Eugenia Dominguez Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health – Community Health Walden University November 2016 Dedicated with Great Love. To my two children, Hristo Ociel and Mayalina Elizabeth, for their unconditional love and motivation. They are the wind beneath my wings. To my immigrant parents, Antonio and Martha, for their unconditional love, inspiration, courage, support, and for their constant words of perseverance: “¡Querer es Poder! ” (Where there’s a will there’s a way! ) To my familia (family) and amigos (friends), for their love, motivation, and support. To all the immigrant Latina luchonas (fighters) in Watsonville, California who sacrificed their lives for their children and families in this country. To all those who supported, encouraged, and challenged me, may you take pride in my accomplishments, knowing that you are contributing to my success. Acknowledgments I thank God for allowing me to reach this point in my life, for my faith, my fruits of wisdom, and for all that I am. I would like to thank the participants of this study for trusting me and sharing their stories. I am humbled by the strength and courage you have in Watsonville, California in order to give your children and families a better life. I am grateful for being part of this project and touching my life and learning from each participant – ¡Mil gracias! I am thankful to the faith-based organizations (St. Patrick’s Parish, Our Lady Help of Christians, and Our Lady Assumption Church), retail stores (Mi Pueblo Food Center and D’la Colmena), and the Latino community in Watsonville, California for providing me with motivation and support during this project. I am grateful to Dr. Jacquie Fraser and Dr. Sandra W. Bever who guided and encouraged me and showed wisdom and patience throughout this project. We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community . Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own. – Cesar Chavez