Application of the Social Cognitive Theory amid food parenting practices of Black immigrant mothers in the US: A qualitative study

BackgroundChildren of Black immigrant parents living in the US are at elevated risk of being overweight or obese, thus increasing their risks of morbidity and mortality as they age. Parents play a crucial role in shaping their childrens nutrition through their food parenting practices. The Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) can explain Black immigrant mothers FPP and their childrens dietary behavior. This study aimed to assess SCTs constructs, personal (maternal knowledge, attitudes, beliefs) and environmental factors (acculturation) in relation to the behavioral factor (food parenting practices) among a sample of Black immigrant mothers living in Metro Atlanta, Georgia. MethodsConvenience sampling was employed to recruit 30 Black immigrant mothers who lived in seven Metro Atlanta, Georgia counties in the summer of 2022. Four focus group interviews were conducted over two weeks. The qualitative data analysis was thematic. ResultsFocus group data analysis revealed seven major themes: knowledge, attitude, belief, modeling, acculturation, coercive control, and structure, and six subthemes. Mothers discussed being intentional about encouraging healthy foods and limiting unhealthy foods for their children. Overall, acculturation influenced mothers food parenting practices. Since migrating to the US, some mothers nutrition changed in positive (e.g., eating more fruits) and negative ways (e.g., snacking more) because of schedules, cost, and access. Children ate a mixed diet, the mothers native diet and the American diet, and the former was considered healthier and affordable by most. ConclusionThis is the first study to look at the food parenting practices of Black immigrants in the US. By identifying key factors that influence the food parenting practices of this population and their childrens dietary habits, this studys findings are useful to practitioners or researchers who work with this population on nutrition and obesity prevention.