The Use of Family Rituals in Eating Behaviors in Hispanic Mothers

Fam Community Health. 2018 Jan/Mar;41(1):28-36. doi: 10.1097/FCH.0000000000000170.

Abstract

Food rituals often abruptly change when Hispanic families migrate to the United States. This report describes changes in rituals of food procurement, preparation, and presentation (food-PPP) in Hispanic women following migration to the United States. Focus groups and face-to-face interviews were conducted with 13 low-income, overweight/obese Hispanic women 27 to 40 years of age. Content analysis was used to analyze cultural and contextual sources for food-PPP. Changes in rituals and traditions in food-PPP occurred, including materials and ingredients for traditional meals. Food rituals may play a role in healthful eating and could, therefore, serve as leverage points for interventions designed to promote healthy eating behaviors.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ceremonial Behavior*
  • Feeding Behavior / ethnology*
  • Female
  • Hispanic or Latino
  • Humans
  • Mexican Americans
  • Mothers
  • Obesity / ethnology*