Perceived Role of Asian Indian Fathers in Florida During Mealtimes: Factors to Consider for Their Involvement in Childhood Obesity Prevention.

Abstract

Research has shown that fathers play an important role in children's mealtimes and dietary habits; yet, little is known about the factors that affect how fathers perceive this role, especially among Asian Indians. This study aimed to examine how Asian Indian fathers perceive their role during child mealtimes and the factors that are associated with fathers' mealtime perceptions. Eighty Asian Indian fathers of 6- to 11-year-old children completed an online survey including measures of demographics, acculturation, gender roles, nutrition knowledge, parental self-efficacy, perceived child weight, and the role of father at mealtime (ROFM). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regression. Participants perceived a moderately high level of responsibility during child mealtimes. Regression analysis showed that fathers who had higher income, perceived child weight as being higher, and had higher self-efficacy in feeding children healthy food had higher ROFM. Higher father nutrition knowledge was correlated with lower perceived ROFM, indicating a lack of confidence in utilizing their nutrition knowledge during child mealtimes. The results indicate potential targets to improve Asian Indian fathers' involvement during child mealtimes. These results could be utilized to enhance their engagement in child mealtime healthy eating practices and for childhood obesity prevention.