Latino Mothers Research Articles

Consumption of different combinations of human milk oligosaccharides in the first 6 mo of infancy is positively associated with early cognition at 2 y of age in a longitudinal cohort of Latino children

BackgroundLactation has been widely associated with optimal neurocognitive development, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are complex sugars that support brain development, but previous studies examining their associations with cognition have yielded inconsistent findings. ObjectivesThis study aimed to provide a broader understanding of how HMOs jointly influence cognition. MethodsWe used data from an ongoing longitudinal cohort of Latino mother–infant dyads. Human milk samples from 1 mo (n = 157) and 6 mo (n = 107) postpartum were assessed for the 19 most abundant HMOs. Cognitive performance was assessed at 2 y using the Bayley Scale of Infant and Toddler Development. A partial least squares model identified HMO combinations predictive of cognitive scores. ResultsAt 1 mo, the combination of higher concentrations of lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT), lacto-N-tetraose (LNT), lacto-N-fucopentaose (LNFP)-III, 6′-sialyllactose, and 2′-fucosyllactose (FL) with lower concentrations of sialyllacto-N-tetraose (LST) b, LNFP-II, fucodisialyllacto-N-hexaose, and 3-FL significantly predicted higher cognitive scores (β: 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.30, 0.92), explaining an additional 8% of the variance over a model with only nuisance covariates (11%). Additional analyses revealed that the combination of higher LNFP-III and lower LSTb alone explained 5% more of the variation in cognitive scores (β: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.24, 1.09). At 6 mo (n = 107), higher LNnT, LNT, and LNFP-III and lower 3FL and LSTb concentrations explained an extra 6% of the variance in cognitive scores (β: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.75). ConclusionsThis study highlights specific HMO combinations in early life influencing cognitive performance at 2 y.

Cultural values, parenting, and child adjustment in the United States.

We examined whether cultural values, conformity and parenting behaviours were related to child adjustment in middle childhood in the United States. White, Black and Latino mothers (n = 273), fathers (n = 182) and their children (n = 272) reported on parental individualism and collectivism, conformity values, parental warmth, monitoring, family obligation expectations, and child internalising and externalising behaviours. Mean differences, bivariate correlations and multiple regression analyses were performed on variables of interest. Collectivism in mothers and fathers was associated with family obligation expectations and parental warmth. Fathers with higher conformity values had higher expectations of children's family obligations. Child internalising and externalising behaviours were greater when Latino families subscribed to individualistic values. These results are discussed in the context of cultural values, protective and promotive factors of behaviour, and race/ethnicity in the United States.

Barriers and facilitators of physical activity among Latina immigrant and Mexican mothers living in the US and Mexico: A qualitative study.

Latina immigrant women are among the least physically active when compared with women in other racial/ethnic groups in the US. Similarly, Mexican mothers in Mexico have low rates of physical activity. Motherhood and immigration experiences are recognized barriers to engage in physical activity among Latina immigrant mothers. Less is known about the factors that promote and limit physical activity engagement among Mexican mothers in Mexico, and how their experiences compare with their immigrant counterparts. This transnational qualitative study aimed to investigate the barriers and facilitators of physical activity of 25 Latina mothers in Mexico and the US. Low-income Mexican mothers of kindergarten aged children and Latino mothers of similar aged children were recruited in San Luis Potosí, Mexico and central Illinois, US. Semi-structured interviews were administered by two bilingual and bicultural researchers in participants language of preference. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a thematic network approach and multi-stage coding analysis guided by the Socio-Ecological Model framework. We found that at the macro-level: 1) familial obligations, and 2) cold weather after migrating; at the mezzo-level: 1) changes in walking patterns, and 2) social cohesion (e.g., lack of an invitation to engage in activities); and at the micro-level: 1) individual perceptions, particularly unattainable perceptions of physical activity and 2) shift exhaustion were perceived as barriers and occasionally facilitators of physical activity by mothers in both countries. Context-specific interventions are needed to increase women's physical activity levels in the US and Mexico.

A Hybrid Mobile Phone Feasibility Study Focusing on Latino Mothers, Fathers, and Grandmothers to Prevent Obesity in Preschoolers

ObjectiveTo pilot the feasibility of a mobile phone childhood obesity intervention for family caregivers of Latino preschool-aged children.MethodsAn evidence-based early childhood obesity intervention was adapted to have cultural relevance and a shorter-length curriculum for mothers, fathers, and grandmothers of 2- to 5-year-old Latino children. Traditional in-person group sessions (four weeks) were combined with eight weeks of mobile phone content to support parenting skills and evidence-based and age-appropriate nutritional practices in either English or Spanish. A convenience sample of Latino families were recruited from WIC and Early Education Centers in East Los Angeles. Feasibility measures were collected. Child and caregiver height and weight were measured, and caregiver surveys of child dietary intake were collected at baseline, 1- and 6-month post-baseline. Changes in child’s dietary intake and BMI, as well as caregiver BMI, were examined using a mixed effects linear regression model with family random intercept and nested random slope for time period of measurement.ResultsThe program was delivered to 64 low-income Latino families (46 mothers, 34 fathers, 16 grandmothers, and 48 children). Children had a reduction in raw BMI, BMI percentile, and BMI z-scores at 6-months post-baseline compared to baseline measurements. The study also demonstrated stable BMI outcomes among all caregivers.ConclusionThe pilot study shows promise in preventing childhood obesity, and having a multi-generational impact on weight outcomes. Leveraging the high-use of mobile phones has the potential to shorten in-person interventions, and engage fathers and grandmothers who play an important role in shaping healthy weight practices in young children.

Cultural adaptation of ACT to support caregivers of autistic Latino children: A pilot study

Providers working with families of autistic children have a shared responsibility to ensure access to culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate services for Latino caregivers. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a promising intervention for Autism parents. However, research on ACT for Latino caregivers is absent. This small pilot study indicated that a brief, group-based, culturally adapted ACT protocol may enhance the wellbeing of Latino mothers. The 2-day intervention was associated with significant reductions in anxiety, depression and psychological inflexibility for all parents, with medium to large effect sizes. Methodological factors significantly limit conclusions, however, the study offers the foundation for a program of research centered on the promotion of thriving in Latino families with autistic children, and how to best integrate guidelines for culturally adapted practice with CBS approaches. The study also highlights the importance of centering social justice as a key component of what it means to be effective contextual behavioral scientists and the need for systemic action to address current barriers to care for Latino families.

Living in the Balance: Exploring the Lived Experiences of Latino Mothers of Children with ASD

ABSTRACT Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has a profound impact on millions of families in the United States. While Hispanic families represent the most rapidly growing demographic group within this population, little research explores their unique experiences in coping with the family impacts of ASD. This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of Hispanic mothers of children with ASD. Findings suggested that their experiences were reflective of existing knowledge around the family impacts of ASD as participants articulated the challenges of managing emotional stressors and balancing family needs with the needs of the child with a disability. However, findings also suggested ways in which the construction of the role of motherhood in Hispanic culture held unique implications for participants as they sought and struggled to find this balance. Implications for practice with Hispanic families of children with ASD based on their unique experiences are discussed.

Building a nest in a storm: The impact of immigration-related stress on Latino mothers' parenting.

Latina/o immigrant mothers in the United States (U.S.) often experience discrimination, which results in deleterious impacts on their parenting practices. Because of the cumulative impact of immigration-related stress, there is a need for research aimed at identifying specific contextual stressors that have the greatest impact on Latina/o immigrant parenting. Further, given significant barriers to access mental health services, there is an urgency to comprehend how pre-existing family strengths might counteract these parenting shortcomings in Latina/o families. Accordingly, we examined in these investigation-specific pathways through which immigration-related stress affects maternal parenting practices, and how emotional and relational processes within families might act as predecessors to positive parenting practices within a context of adversity. This study is embedded within a larger program of research aimed at culturally adapting evidence-based parenting programs for low-income Latina/o immigrants. Our sample consisted of 71 Mexican-origin Latina/o mothers, residents of an urban setting in the Midwest. According to Bayesian estimated path analysis, immigration-related stress was associated with parenting stress and emotional support, while emotional support, parenting stress, and the co-parenting alliance were associated with positive parenting practices. Indirect effects demonstrate that immigration-related stress is negatively associated with positive parenting practices when mediated by parenting stress and emotional support. Current findings highlight the need to carefully examine the impact of immigration-related stress on the parenting practices of Latina/o immigrant families and the need to inform parent training interventions accordingly.

Establishing the content validity of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale for Children and Adolescents in Prader-Willi syndrome.

Excessive daytime sleepiness is common in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), with prevalence ranging from 52% to 100%. The goal of this study was to establish the content validity (ie, evidence that an instrument measures an intended concept of interest) of the parent/caregiver version of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale for Children and Adolescents (ESS-CHAD), a measure of daytime sleepiness, in PWS. Qualitative, dyadic semistructured video interviews were conducted with 18 caregivers and their children with PWS from April to June 2020. Concept elicitation and cognitive interview techniques were implemented. Thematic analyses allowed for examination of themes and data patterns. All caregivers (mean age 49 years) were mothers of individuals with PWS who experienced troublesome daytime sleepiness (mean age 14 years). The most prevalent observable signs/symptoms of daytime sleepiness were sleepy/sleepiness (n = 17; 94.4%), tired/tiredness (n = 16; 88.9%), exhaustion/exhausted (n = 5; 27.8%), anxious/stressed (n = 5; 27.8%), irritable/frustrated (n = 5; 27.8%), having tantrums/outbursts (n = 5; 27.8%), and lethargy (n = 4; 22.2%). Daytime sleepiness impacted various aspects of health including mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being. When caregivers were asked about the activities associated with daytime sleepiness, all salient concepts elicited mapped to the ESS-CHAD; saturation was met after the first 4 interviews. Only 2 concepts, after physical exertion and while inactive/bored, did not map. Caregiver statements indicated that these concepts, although related to daytime activities, were atypical of daily routines. The ESS-CHAD was well understood and relevant to caregivers. This study supports the content validity of the ESS-CHAD and its appropriateness for evaluating treatment efficacy of daytime sleepiness in PWS. Patel VP, Patroneva A, Glaze DG, Davis K, Merikle E, Revana A. Establishing the content validity of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale for Children and Adolescents in Prader-Willi syndrome. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(2):485-496.

Maternal Confidence and Emergency Department Utilization Among Infants.

To determine if maternal confidence affects emergency department (ED) utilization in the first year of life. This retrospective cohort study examined the Maternal Confidence Questionnaire responses from a longitudinal birth cohort study and ED visits for these subjects across all Inova hospitals from January 2012 to July 2017 for full-term children 12 months or younger at the time of visit. Using logistic regression, maternal confidence, maternal race/ethnicity, age, education, parity, and insurance were evaluated against Emergency Severity Index acuity levels and ED visit frequency. Of 2429 participants in the longitudinal study, 316 subjects visited the ED and met inclusion criteria. Medicaid status was the main factor associated with any ED visit. Low maternal confidence did not correlate with more frequent or nonurgent ED visits. Higher maternal confidence scores were seen in Hispanic or Latino mothers and mothers with parity greater than 1. Hispanic or Latino mothers were more likely to have Medicaid and more likely to bring their child to the ED. Mothers with college education had lower maternal confidence scores, were less likely to visit the ED, but had higher acuity level visits. Low maternal confidence did not correlate with frequent ED visits or nonurgent visits. Medicaid status was the main factor associated with any ED visit. Hispanic or Latino mothers had higher maternal confidence scores, were more likely to have Medicaid and more likely to bring their child to the ED.

Latino Mothers’ Responsiveness and Bilingual Language Development in Young Children from 24 to 36 Months

This longitudinal study examined the role maternal responsiveness had on shaping Spanish and English language development in bilingual 2-year-old children. Eight im/migrant Latino mother–child dyads (age: time 1: M = 23.25 months, SD = 3.34; time 2: M = 30.13 months, SD = 4.14; time 3: M = 35.13, SD = 4.34) were observed and assessed at three time points. Regression and linear mixed modeling were used in order to assess which maternal responsive behaviors impacted Spanish and English language outcomes. Results indicated joint topic focus as being overwhelmingly impactful across times 2 and times 3 in both languages. Prohibition negatively influenced English outcomes at times 2 and times 3. Interestingly, focus shift had a positive impact on English outcomes at time 2. This work sheds light on the similarities and differences between cultures and the need for further research surrounding this population.

Uniendo Familias Latinas: Testing the Spillover Hypothesis With Latino Mothers and Fathers

Consistent with the spillover hypothesis, previous research has found support for the benefits of a healthy marital relationship on the parent–child relationship. However, there is a paucity of research on whether and how marital functioning may be associated with parent–child relationship quality among ethnically diverse populations. In an attempt to address this research gap, the current study tested the effectiveness of a community-based program to improve couple relationship skills and the impact of this program on the parent–child relationship. The study used an extant data set of assessment data from this community-based relationship skills–building program targeting Latino individuals in low-income communities and focused on participants who endorsed being in a marital relationship and having at least one child ( N = 655). Results demonstrated that marital quality increased after participating in the program provided. More importantly, an increase in marital quality was associated with change in parenting quality for both Latino mothers and fathers, supporting the spillover hypothesis. Findings supported the overall effectiveness of the relationship skills–building program to improve marital relationship quality for participating Latino individuals but also suggested the potential benefits of improved parent–child relationship quality.

Rural Latino Mothers’ Parenting Style, Depression, and Stress Affects Children’s Sugar Sweetened Beverage, Fruit, and Vegetable Consumption

Rural Latino Mothers’ Parenting Style, Depression, and Stress Affects Children’s Sugar Sweetened Beverage, Fruit, and Vegetable Consumption

Low-income Latino mothers’ and fathers’ control strategies and toddler compliance.

Low-income Latino mothers’ and fathers’ control strategies and toddler compliance.

The Effects of the Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters Program on Latino Parenting Using Propensity Score Analysis

Propensity score matching reduced selection bias in a comparison between families who received services from the Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program and families from a similar background who did not have access to HIPPY. HIPPY is a home visiting program aimed at preparing children for school who are at risk for school failure. A final sample, created by propensity score analysis, consisted of mostly Latino mothers (n = 242) of 3–4-year-old children from an inner-city community. The purpose of the study was to determine relationships between participation in HIPPY and mothers’ cognitive and socioemotional parenting skills, as well as parenting self-efficacy. Mothers filled out several self-report measures during school meetings. Regressions and mediation tests looked at program effects, using a quasi-experimental design. Home visiting participation predicted higher parenting self-efficacy and more school readiness activities in the home. As an indirect benefit, parents who participated in HIPPY learning activities with their child reported closer parent–child relationships than non-participants. Parenting self-efficacy mediated the relationship between HIPPY participation and school readiness activities in the home, supporting a theoretical model of change that shows that changing beliefs about parenting through a home visiting intervention results in change in parenting behavior. HIPPY home visiting appears to be successful in improving parenting self-efficacy, parent–child closeness, and parent engagement in education in a mostly Latino, inner-city population. Future work should look at actual prevention of outcomes such as foster care or family violence through home visiting. Additionally, propensity score analysis can be used in future studies when families cannot be assigned to conditions.

Association between maternal and child mental health among US Latinos: variation by nativity, ethnic subgroup, and time in the USA.

Few studies have examined the association between maternal and youth mental health among US Latinos, or its variation by nativity, country of origin, ethnic subgroup, and time in the mainland US. Using 2007-2014 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data linking Latino youth (N = 15,686 aged 5-17years) and their mothers, we estimated multivariate models of the relationship between probable maternal mental illness (a composite of measures) and youth mental health impairment (Columbia Impairment Scale). Children of mothers with probable mental illness were more than three times as likely to have impairment as children of mothers without mental illness (p < 0.01). In adjusted models, there was an 8.5-point (95% CI 5.1, 11.8) increased prevalence of child impairment associated with mother's probable mental illness among mainland US-born youth and mothers and a 6.0-point (95% CI 3.7, 8.3) increased prevalence among US-born youth of foreign/island-born mothers. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of youth impairment associated with maternal mental illness when both youth and mother were born outside of the mainland US. For the Puerto Rican subgroup, the association between maternal and youth mental health was greatest among island-born mothers and mainland US-born youth; for the Mexican subgroup, the link was strongest among US-born mothers and youth. While there were large point differences between those groups, the difference was not statistically significant. This study suggests a protective effect of island/foreign-born nativity on symptom association between Latino mothers and children. Considerations for future research and practice stemming from this finding are discussed.

Family Structure Change Among Latinos: Variation by Ecologic Risk

We examined differences in family structure change in an urban sample of mothers (N= 1,314) from their child's birth to age 5 and whether ecological risk moderated this association. We found that compared to U.S.-born Latino mothers, foreign-born Latino mothers were 62% less likely to break up and 75% less likely to repartner than remain stably resident. Across nativity status, Latina mothers with fewer children, more economic stress, less income, and less frequently reported father involvement were more likely to break up and repartner than remain stably resident. We found no moderation effects of ecological risk.

Effects of a Family Literacy Program for Latino Parents: Evidence From a Single-Subject Design.

Purpose This study investigated the effects of a family literacy program on Latino parents' language practices at home and their children's oral language skills. The study examined the extent to which (a) the program called Family Reading Intervention for Language and Literacy in Spanish was effective at teaching low-income, low-education Latino parents 3 language strategies (i.e., comments, high-level questions, and recasts) for reading aloud and (b) parent implementation of the target strategies influenced children's language skills. Method Five Latino mothers and their Spanish-speaking preschool children participated in a multiple-baseline, single-subject design across participants. Program initiation was staggered across the mothers after obtaining a stable baseline. Data on parent and child outcomes were collected across 3 experimental conditions: baseline, intervention, and follow-up. This study employed visual data analysis (e.g., level, trend, variability) to examine the program effects on parent and child outcomes. Results The program had an important effect on parental use of comments and high-level questions, but less impact on recasts. In addition, the program had a notable effect on the children's use of different words and conversational turns, less effect on inferences, and no effect on the mean length of utterance in words. Conclusion Family Reading Intervention for Language and Literacy in Spanish is an effective program to extend and enrich the reading practices that low-income children from a culturally and linguistically diverse background experience at home. The results have implications for family literacy programs aimed at minority Spanish-speaking families.

Studying the Racial and Ethnicity Effects on Breastfeeding for Adolescent Mothers: Healthcare Policy Implications

According to the American Association of Pediatrics on the racial and ethnic differences of breastfeeding adolescent mother’s show that a total of 696 Latino, African and Caucasian adolescent mothers under the age of 18 were studied. The study highlighted the factors that influence adolescent mothers to breastfeed. These results were reported that majority of the Mexican American mothers were likely to breastfeed. The decision to breastfeed stated 55% of MexicanAmerican, 45% of Caucasian, and 15% of African-American adolescent mothers did in fact breastfeed. With the exception of perceived benefits of breastfeeding and exposure to educational materials, most factors associated with breastfeeding differed by race/ethnicity. Among Mexican-Americans, important factors included feeding advice. The feeding preference of a partner or mother and feeding decisions were made in early pregnancy. Among African-Americans, important factors included living with a partner, having a mother who breastfed. The feeding preference of a partner or health care provider and low family support was a factor. Among Caucasians, health care providers' feeding preference having two or more breastfeeding role models not being enrolled in Women, Infants, and Children's Supplemental Nutrition Program having relied on infant-feeding advice was associated with the decision to breastfeed. The purpose of this study is to focus on racial and ethnic differences when it comes to breastfeeding. As adolescent mothers, women have to decide what best is for their children. Therefore, it is important to have information available to best help them decide despite cultural biases. Specific members of the adolescent’s support systems that were identified in this study as important to her feeding decision. Medical and Social Groups must focus on the benefits of breastfeeding and being able to address concerns and refute fallacies common to young mothers specific to each racial/ethnic group. Also identified is the need to incorporate plenty of educational reading materials. Finally, a special effort must be made to overcome biases in the health care system by training health care professionals to encourage breastfeeding among all adolescent mothers, including African-Americans. Remain adhere of involvements could target both the adolescent mother and her support system.

Misalignment of sexual and reproductive health priorities among older Latino adolescents and their mothers

ObjectiveThe study describes maternal and adolescent perspectives on sexual decision making and the role of mothers in shaping use of contraception for the prevention of unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among older Latino adolescents. Study designResearchers used a semistructured interview guide to conduct focus group discussions with 21 mother–adolescent Latino dyads (n=42). Latino adolescents ages 17–19 were eligible for the study. We recruited families from the South Bronx, New York City, using area sampling methodology. For analysis of qualitative data, we used the framework method involving open coding, identification of dominant themes, refining of codebooks and indexing. ResultsOverwhelmingly, results suggest asymmetric priorities and preferences regarding maternal involvement in older adolescent sexual and contraceptive decision making. Mothers primarily employed practices designed to prevent adolescent sexual activity. Most teens reported already having experienced sexual debut and were currently sexually active. Adolescents expressed a strong interest in practical support for sexual decision making, including maternal guidance regarding effective access to and use of contraception. Mothers offered limited guidance or support with such matters. Maternal views focused entirely on the health and social consequences of sex in lieu of specific guidance on contraception for older sexually active adolescents. The findings highlight a missed opportunity for Latino mothers to support their older adolescent children to prevent unplanned pregnancies, STIs and HIV. ConclusionMothers have the potential to positively shape adolescent contraceptive decision making and behavior. Misalignment of priorities between mothers and adolescents diminishes the potential of reducing adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) disparities. ImplicationsMothers are influential in reducing adolescent SRH risk. However, asymmetric priorities among Latino adolescents and their mothers regarding support for SRH reduce likelihood of reducing adolescent negative SRH outcomes and supporting adolescent health. Programs supporting better alignment of maternal guidance and adolescent SRH needs are warranted.

Intergenerational relationships among Latino immigrant families in Spain: conflict and emotional intimacy

ABSTRACTRelationships with parents have been identified as a major factor in shaping adolescents’ well-being and cognitive development. Compared to adolescents in native families, immigrant children face multiple stressors associated with international migration that may cause the relationship with their parents to be more conflictive or emotionally distant. In this paper, we compare the levels of mother–child conflict and emotional intimacy among Latino immigrant and Spanish native families living in Spain. Our analysis shows that Latino adolescents do not describe the relationship with their mothers as more conflictive than natives do. However, they report more emotional distance with their mothers than native adolescents. This differential with natives cannot be fully attributed to migration-related factors like physical separation from parents due to staggered family migration, to the lower life satisfaction of Latino mothers’ in their new destination or to an acculturation gap between mother and child. However, the fact that immigrant mothers spend less time doing activities with their children, probably due to their harder working conditions, explains part of the differential in emotional intimacy with native families. Finally, our analyses clearly establish an equally negative relationship between conflict and emotional intimacy for both native and Latino immigrant families.