International Journal of Child Health and Nutrition

47-54

Authors: Artemio M. Gonzales Jr., Marciel N. Salvador

Nutritionally adequate and safe complementary feeding starting from the age of 6 months up to 59 months is one of the effective intervention to reduce infant and child morbidity and malnutrition. This study aims to determine the nutritional status of children ages 6-59 months and their caregiver’s infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices of the Buhid community in Rizal, Occidental Mindoro.The design used in this study was a descriptive cross-sectional carried out between December 2016-February 2017. A survey questionnaire was utilized as an instrument in this study. It includes an anthropometric survey of 6-59 months old and infant and young child feeding practices using WHO and UNICEF IYCF indicators. Vaccination, vitamin A supplementation and deworming coverage were also measured.Findings revealed a prevalence of global acute malnutrition (GAM) at a critical level. There is a low but significant prevalence of stunting and underweight among children. There is a good infant and young feeding practice in the community except for the minimum acceptable diet during complementary feeding. Lastly, there is low BCG and measles vaccination coverage in the community that could be a threat to the impending disease outbreak

65-73

Authors: Suzan Tami, Debra Reed

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of parenting styles and family contributors on physical activity behaviors in Arab children living in the US. This mixed-method study included the Caregiver's Feeding Style Questionnaire (CFSQ), Family Nutrition Physical Activity (FNPA) survey, and five focus group discussions (FGD), guided by the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). Twenty-three Arab mothers of 37 children aged 6-10 years old participated in this study. Seventeen mothers were overweight or obese, and six children were overweight or obese. Although all Arab mothers self-assessed that they were authoritative, only seven mothers were categorized as having an authoritative feeding style based on their CFSQ scores. The FNPA overall mean was 3.15, indicating less obesogenic family environments and behaviors. Across FGDs, common physical activity barriers included lack of time, the child being distracted by technology, and lack of a mother's interest in a child's physical activity due to culture and fear. Positive approaches included considering the child's interest in sports and involvement in physical activity with the child. Negative attitudes included pushing the child to do sports and the mother's lack of interest in physical activity. In correlation analyses, the mother's BMI was significantly correlated with the child's BMI z-scores (r = 0.325, p = 0.005). No significant associations were found between reported feeding styles (CFSQ), obesogenic family environments (FNPA), and child's BMI z-scores. This study can guide future efforts in developing effective education programs, including physical activity behaviors for Arab families

81-92

Authors: Suzan Tami, Debra Reed

Parenting styles and family contributors are the main determinants of obesity risk in children. To date, no research has been reported on parenting styles/practices and family contributors to the development of dietary behaviors in Arab children living in the US. The objectives of this exploratory mixed-method study were to collect data on parenting feeding styles (Caregiver’s Feeding Style Questionnaire- CFSQ) of Arab mothers and family contributors (Family Nutrition Physical Activity- FNPA) to the development of dietary behaviors in their children; and to collect data on Arab mothers' challenges and strategies to promote healthier dietarybehaviors in their children. Although all Arab mothers (n=23) self-assessed that they were authoritative, only seven mothers were categorized as having an authoritative feeding style based on their CFSQ scores. The FNPA overall mean was 3.15, indicating less obesogenic family environment and behaviors. Across focus groups, barriers to desirable dietary intake included low vegetable intake and child being distracted by sweets, junk foods, and technology. All mothers wanted their children to have healthier dietary habits and used positive and negative approaches to achieve that. Positive approaches included no pressure to eat and providing healthier alternative foods. Negative approaches included pressuring the child to eat and rewarding with sweets and technology. In correlation analyses, the mother's BMI was significantly correlated with the child's BMI z-scores (r = 0.325, p = 0.005). This study can guide future efforts in assessing parenting style and assessing the home environment regarding the dietary behaviors of Arab families.