Social Ecological Barriers for Healthy Eating of Obese Children and Their Caregivers in Low-income Families in South Korea

Ecol Food Nutr. 2021 Jul-Aug;60(4):525-541. doi: 10.1080/03670244.2021.1875454. Epub 2021 Jan 17.

Abstract

In this qualitative study, the focus is on healthy eating in children from low-income families who visit a Community Child Care center (CCC) in South Korea. Barriers for healthy eating were identified using focus group interviews with low-income overweight and obese children and their caregivers and applying a social ecological model as well as the framework analysis for qualitative data. The need for theory- and evidence-based health promotion interventions is indicated, at the level of the family, but also at the level of collaboration among all stakeholders, as well as multi-level policy changes.

Keywords: Feeding behavior; focus group interview; health status disparities; pediatric obesity; social ecological model.

MeSH terms

  • Caregivers
  • Child
  • Diet, Healthy*
  • Humans
  • Pediatric Obesity* / epidemiology
  • Pediatric Obesity* / prevention & control
  • Poverty
  • Social Environment