Low-income mothers' perceptions of health in their children with growth delay

Abstract

Issues and purpose: Parental characteristics are the strongest predictor of poor health for children. This study examined how low-income mothers of children with growth delay define health for their children, and the behaviors they use to monitor their children's health.

Design and methods: Naturalistic design using Kleinman's Explanatory Model approach and interviews with 22 mothers.

Results: Mothers consider nutritious food as a primary contributor to their children's health and consider healthy children to be chubby. Other indicators of health include children's energy levels, provision of nutritious food, and physical and mental activity balanced with rest.

Practice implications: A mother's explanatory model of health for her child can guide health promotion targeted to the mother's beliefs.