The Lived Experiences of Mexican-Heritage Mothers Caring for Overweight Preschool Children

Mexican-heritage children are at greater risk to become overweight or obese than children of other ethnic or racial groups. Despite this, there is limited information in the literature about how the mothers care for their preschoolers after they are classified as overweight or obese. The objective of this study was to gain insight into the lived experiences of Mexican-heritage mothers caring for overweight or obese preschool children to enhance nurses' ability to effectively care for these children. A qualitative, hermeneutic design was selected for this study guided by the phenomenological approach of Max van Manen. Saturation was achieved after interviewing 12 mothers of Mexican heritage. Seven themes and 11 subthemes emerged from the data. Maternal caring practices were influenced by their Mexican heritage, emotional burdens, and perceptions of child's weight status, disconnectedness and connectedness with family and health care professionals, and being resourceful. To protect their children from the untoward consequences of overweight, the mothers linked past family history and practices with present needs. Cultural influences, social support, past experiences, available resources, and emotional status all play integral roles in a mother's ability to partner with nurses in developing a holistic effective plan to care for overweight children. Keywords: Mexican-Heritage Mothers, Caring, Lived Experience, Preschool, Obesity, Phenomenology, van ManenIn children, ages 2 to 5 years, the rate of obesity has more than doubled in the past 30 years (Ogden & Carroll, 2010). When examining Body Mass Index (BMI) data from preschool children enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), this trend may be slowing. In high-risk populations, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) observed a flattening in the rate of children, ages 2 to 5 years, classified as obese (IOM, 2014).Despite this trend, Hispanic children classified as overweight (â¥ 85th percentile for BMI) or obese (â¥ 95th percentile for BMI) continue to outpace their non-Hispanic peers. When examining the NHANES 2010-2011 data, 29.8% of Hispanic children were at or above the 85th percentile for BMI and 16.7% were at or above the 95th percentile (Ogden, Carroll, Kit, & Flegal, 2014).Among the states, Texas has the 6th highest rate of childhood obesity (IOM, 2009). Of the low-income preschool aged children enrolled in the Texas WIC Program, 30% were overweight or obese (Texas Interagency Obesity Council, 2011). Hispanic children had one of the highest rates of overweight or obesity (Texas Department of State Health Services, 2011).The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of Mexican mothers caring for overweight or obese preschool children. To be successful as nurses, it is important for us to understand what is happening in the lives of the families for whom we care. This study utilized a hermeneutic phenomenological approach guided by the phenomenological approach of Max van Manen to examine both the descriptive and interpretive aspects of the phenomenon. Methods of sample selection, data collection and analysis that are congruent with this approach will be described.Significance of the TopicElevated BMI values can cause problems in childhood and adulthood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2014), excessive weight is linked to physical, emotional, and social health problems. Physical health problems include glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, fatty liver disease, cholelithiasis, sleep apnea, asthma, skin conditions, menstrual abnormalities, and orthopedic problems. Children who are overweight are more susceptible to low self-esteem, negative body image, and depression. They are stigmatized and the targets of teasing and bullying, negative stereotyping, discrimination, and social marginalization. …