A Healthy Lifestyle Program for Latino Daughters and Mothers

Abstract

Abstract Background: Few family-based healthy lifestyle programs for Latinos have been conducted, especially family programs targeting mother-daughter dyads. Purpose: To assess the acceptability and feasibility of the Behavior Opportunities Uniting Nutrition Counseling and Exercise (BOUNCE) program designed for Latino mother-daughter pairs. Methods: 92 participants (46 mother-daughter pairs) were recruited from two elementary schools (3rd-6th grades). Process evaluation measures included attendance rates, instructor and participant’s evaluation of program. Results: Moderate levels of participation were maintained during the BOUNCE program. Of the 46 mother-daughter pairs who were enrolled, 35pairs (76%) completed pre-and post-intervention measurements. Participants rated BOUNCE program activities, content, and instructors as highly satisfactory. Daughters reported cooking, food tasting, journaling, and dancing as the most enjoyable and helpful activities. Mothers' most reported enjoyable and helpful activities were grocery shopping tour, food tasting, samba, and salsa dancing. Child care needs, low literacy, parental working schedule, religious beliefs against dancing, and mandatory tutoring were identified as participation barriers. Discussion: Process evaluation demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of the BOUNCE program. Identifying and addressing barriers to participation during the developmental stages of the intervention strengthened the design of this intervention. Translation to Health Education Practice: Results should be of value to health educators involved in the development, implementation, and evaluation of community-and family-based interventions designed for Latino families.