Highlights
- •The ethnonursing research method explored healthy weight care in Karen families.
- •Transportation barriers limit exercise in Karen-American children/adolescents.
- •Traditional Karen meals prepared at home are preferred by Karen-American children.
- •Cross-language methods developed access to and trust with ethnic minority community.
Abstract
Purpose
Although the rates of childhood obesity are disproportionately higher in children
of racial and ethnic minorities, research rarely addresses possible cultural factors.
The purpose of this study was to discover cultural influences that contribute to or
prevent childhood obesity from the perspectives of Burmese-American children and adolescents
of Karen ethnicity in the southeast U.S.
Design and methods
The ethnonursing research method was used to seek perspectives of healthy weight care
from Karen children between 8 and 15 years-of-age (n = 10). Karen parents (n = 5) and non-Karen community members (n = 13) were also interviewed. Data sources – interviews, fieldnotes, and observation
notes – were analyzed using the four phases of the ethnonursing method.
Results
Four themes important to healthy weight care in Karen children were discovered: views
of a healthy child, food and food preparation, physical activity, and mutual support
among family and community. These themes revealed both Karen and non-Karen influences.
Conclusions
Most Karen cultural influences promote healthy weight care in Karen children and adolescents
which may protect them from childhood obesity. Lack of after-school transportation,
limited space to play/exercise, and the sedentary tendencies of girls could limit
healthy weight care.
Practice implications
Pediatric nurses may use knowledge gained from this study for promotion of healthy
weight care in Karen families and to advocate for community changes which could benefit
all children.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 07, 2021
Accepted:
June 24,
2021
Received in revised form:
June 12,
2021
Received:
April 20,
2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
