Cultural factors related to childhood and adolescent obesity in Mexico: A systematic review of qualitative studies

Abstract

Culture and culturally specific beliefs or practices may influence perceptions and decisions, potentially contributing to childhood obesity. The objective of this study is to identify the cultural factors (expressed through decisions, behaviors, individual experiences, perceptions, attitudes, or views) related to childhood and adolescent obesity in Mexico. Ten databases and one search engine were searched from 1995 onwards for qualitative studies. The Sunrise Enabler Model, described within the Cultural Care Theory, guided this review. Sample, the phenomenon of interest, study design, and evaluation data were extracted, and the Critical Appraisals Skills Programme tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Twenty-four studies were included. Of these, 12 studies included children or adolescents, 12 included parents, eight included schoolteachers, four included school staff (other than teachers), four included food vendors, and one included policymakers. Cultural values, beliefs, lifeways (especially food and food costumes), kinship, and social factors (particularly immediate and extended family) strongly influenced childhood and adolescent obesity-related lifestyles in Mexico. Most cultural factors related to childhood obesity in Mexico identified in this review may be modifiable and amenable to practical interventions.

Obesity and its association with mental health among Mexican children and adolescents: systematic review

“… 6 , 14–16 , 57 , 58 This is relevant considering that obesity seems to be distinguished as an issue in Mexican culture only in females by children, adolescents, or even family members. 21 Overall, there is consistent evidence for a sex effect in bidirectional associations of obesity and depression with a stronger relationship in females than males. 6 Body satisfaction has been suggested to be a key factor when considering sex in this association.…”

“…A recent review of the COMO project reported that Mexican children and adolescents with obesity are highly exposed to stigmatization by peers and even family members. 21 Such stigmatization might also lead to depression or anxiety, 55 affecting their general well-being and other outcomes (eg, school performance), 56 although, it has also been described that stigmatization, depressive symptoms, lack of physical appearance, and low self-esteem in adolescents with obesity entailed greater than average weight gain. 57 However, it is still unclear whether higher BMIs entail high depression scores because of stigmatization, bullying, lower self-esteem, or other psychological mediators.…”

“…In addition, an extensive search for grey literature was conducted as part of the COMO project. 19 However, no related information about mental health (including depression or anxiety) was identified among Mexican children or adolescents.…”

“…This database comprises >950 scientific references relevant to childhood and adolescent obesity in Mexico. 19 Full reports of studies and conference abstracts were included if these met the inclusion criteria. Also, reference lists of included studies were scrutinized for additional publications.…”

Challenges around Child-Feeding Practices with ‘Comida Chatarra’: A Qualitative Study to Understand the Role of Sociocultural Factors in Caregiver Feeding Decisions

“…Regarding child-feeding with ‘chatarra’, we identified a series of social norms built in the context of abundant UPPs and the omnipresence of their marketing. In a way, these social norms ‘authorize’ children to eat junk food, obtaining it from PCs, family members, and neighbors, among others, with the purpose of rewarding and pampering them, as previously documented [ 52 ]. Social norms also define in what amount (small amounts) and when (after a homemade meal as a snack) to give these products.…”