Continuing Nursing Education
Overweight in Latino/ Hispanic Adolescents: Scope of the Problem and Nursing Implications
Susan Harrington
Latino/Hispanic
adolescents have the highest prevalence of overweight in this country.
Causes of ethnic variation may include differences in the level of
acculturation, ethnic beliefs, differences in ideal body images, lack
of appreciation of weight management, questionable literacy levels,
and/or socioeconomic status. Improved knowledge of behavioral,
social-cultural, and environmental determinants of overweight
individuals among adolescent Latino/Hispanics will increase the
effectiveness and direction of these interventions to prevent and treat
this epidemic. Research is needed to determine which interventions may
specifically be most effective for preventing this overweight status.
This article summarizes variables that have an impact on
Latino/Hispanic youth and identifies potential strategies for pediatric
nurses to use in addressing this health matter most efficaciously. |