A qualitative study into the perceptions and needs of fathers with a migration background on parenting regarding energy balance-related behaviors

TL;DR

This study explores how fathers with a migration background in the Netherlands perceive and address healthy lifestyle behaviors for their children, highlighting cultural and generational differences.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into migrant fathers' perceptions and needs regarding parenting for healthy energy balance behaviors, often overlooked in previous research.

Findings

Second-generation fathers are more proactive in promoting healthy lifestyles compared to first-generation fathers.

Fathers face challenges in parenting across two cultures and influencing teenage children's habits.

Participating in parenting programs helps improve communication and lifestyle changes within families.

Abstract

Overweight among adolescents is worldwide still considered a serious public health problem. Although both parents influence children’s energy balance-related behavior, most studies have predominantly focused on mothers and white populations. Therefore, in this study, we contribute to the research by exploring the perceptions and needs of Dutch fathers with a migration background on parenting, specifically regarding promoting healthy energy balance-related behaviors among their children, and what motivates fathers to participate in parenting programs focused on these behaviors.

We used a qualitative research design. Informal conversations (n = 2), semi-structured interviews (n = 11) and one focus group (n = 13) were conducted with professionals specialized in intercultural pedagogy and fathers participating in a parenting program organized by these professionals. Interviews and focus group were audio-recorded and transcribed. Atlas.ti 8 was used for theme detection, categorization, and classification using inductive and deductive approaches. The data was analyzed using grounded theory analysis.

Fathers joined parenting programs to improve their parenting skills and knowledge and address health and socio-cultural challenges. Furthermore, intergenerational differences were evident: second-generation fathers were more proactive in tackling parenting challenges related to healthy lifestyles. Fathers highlighted challenges related to parenting in two cultures. Although participating in the parenting program facilitated fathers in adopting a healthier lifestyle for both themselves and their families, improving communication with family members, and experiencing changes regarding gender dynamics within their household, influencing their teenage children, to adopt healthier habits remained a challenge, especially in comparison to younger children.

A deeper understanding of the needs, perceptions, and experiences of migrant populations concerning parenting regarding the promotion of healthy energy balance-related behaviors among their children can lead to better-tailored health promotion programs that prioritize cultural and linguistic inclusivity.