Generational Status, Neighborhood Context, and Mother-Child Resemblance in Dietary Quality in Mexican-origin Families

• In Event: 557 - Regular Session. Community Characteristics and Immigrant Well-Being

Abstract

Mexican immigrant mothers have lower obesity prevalence than Mexican American mothers, but their children have equal or higher risks of obesity than children of Mexican American mothers. Diet represents a key behavioral mechanism that might contribute to the intergenerational loss of this immigrant health advantage. This study uses the 1999-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to examine mother-child resemblance in dietary quality in Mexican-origin families and the role that neighborhood context plays in shaping this resemblance. We find that the intergenerational association in dietary quality is weaker in immigrant families, which suggests that immigrant mothers may face unique challenges in promoting healthy eating and managing obesity risk among their children. We further find that mother-child resemblance in dietary quality is stronger in high poverty neighborhoods, especially for children of immigrants. Findings emphasize the need for researchers and policy makers to consider how family processes of health may work differently for immigrant families and the important role that local contexts play in shaping those processes for immigrant families.

Authors

• Molly Dondero, Pennsylvania State University

• Jennifer Van Hook, Pennsylvania State University