Adapting an Evidence-Based Infant Feeding and Nutrition Program to Promote Healthy Growth and Development in Latinx Families of Low Income

Abstract

Objective

To describe the cultural adaptation of an evidence-based early childhood obesity prevention intervention for Latina mothers and nonmaternal caregivers in families of low income who speak diverse languages.

Design

Participatory intervention adaptation methods were used to complete the first and second steps of the cultural adaptation process: (1) gathering information and (2) preliminary intervention adaptations.

Setting

Southern California, US.

Participants

Mothers of infants aged 4–6 months and their trusted caregivers (n = 46 mother-caregiver dyads) and members of an intervention workgroup (n = 8).

Intervention

Healthy Beginnings Communicating Healthy Beginnings Advice by Telephone was adapted for Latina mothers and nonmaternal caregivers.

Main Outcome Measures

Mother and caregiver recommendations for intervention design.

Analysis

We used qualitative approaches to analyze textual data for the cultural adaptation process. Notes and observations from the recorded intervention workgroup meetings were incorporated into the intervention design.

Results

Content adaptations included cultural meanings of infant feeding, maternal mental health, and infant feeding practices. Intervention delivery changes included caregiver involvement, reduced in-home session time, increased session frequency, and intervention delivery by the community health workers.

Conclusions and Implications

Nonmaternal caregivers play an important role in intervention adaptation by ensuring that early childhood obesity prevention efforts are culturally and linguistically relevant.