![]() ![]() However, cultural minority populations are largely underrepresented. In recent years, research interventions to support healthy early life behaviours have increased, with many targeting individual-level behaviours of parents and infants in high-income countries. Cultural feeding practices and traditional foods can be protective of obesity development. Structural and environmental factors also play a role. Cultural beliefs, practices and acculturation after migration can contribute to differences in childhood obesity prevalence. ĭiverse ethnic and cultural minority populations experience higher childhood obesity prevalence rates and show differences in early life behavioural risk factors. Childhood obesity rates are increasing globally, with multiple early risk factors identified, including maternal characteristics and modifiable behaviours. This critical period for childhood obesity prevention is a global priority for establishing lifelong health. Nutrition and physical activity in the first 2000 days of a child’s life - from conception until 5 years - are important predictors of healthy weight during childhood and later life. This work will inform the future cultural adaptation stages: testing, refining, and trialling the culturally adapted Healthy Beginnings program to assess acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness. This cultural adaptation of Healthy Beginnings followed an established process model and resulted in a program with enhanced relevance and accessibility among Arabic and Chinese speaking migrant mothers. Based on the literature and local study findings, cultural adaptations were made to recruitment approaches, staffing (bi-cultural nurses and project staff) and program content (modified call scripts and culturally adapted written health promotion materials). Qualitative analysis of focus group and interview data resulted in descriptive themes concerning cultural practices and beliefs related to infant obesity-related behaviours and perceptions of child weight among Arabic and Chinese speaking mothers. staged nurse calls with key program messages addressing modifiable obesity-related behaviours: infant feeding, active play, sedentary behaviours and sleep). Program structure and delivery mode were retained to preserve fidelity (i.e. With input from project partners, bi-cultural staff and community organisations, findings informed cultural adaptations to the content and delivery features of the Healthy Beginnings program. Consultations included focus groups with 24 Arabic and 22 Chinese speaking migrant mothers and interviews with 20 health professionals. To inform adaptations, we reviewed the scientific literature and engaged stakeholders. We first established the adaptation rationale, then considered program underpinnings and the core components for effectiveness. The cultural adaptation process followed the Stages of Cultural Adaptation theoretical model and is reported using the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Enhanced. This paper describes the initial process of culturally adapting Healthy Beginnings, an evidence-based early childhood obesity prevention program, for Arabic and Chinese speaking migrant mothers and infants in Sydney, Australia. Cultural adaptation is an emerging strategy for implementing evidence-based interventions among different populations and regions. Behavioural interventions for the early prevention of childhood obesity mostly focus on English-speaking populations in high-income countries. ![]()
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