Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs of American Indian Families about Infant Feeding and Physical Activity

Background: The Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board Tribal Epidemiology Center is implementing an intervention study aimed at preventing toddler obesity. Previous surveillance has shown that overweight and obesity may begin earlier in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children in comparison to other US children. This submission characterizes infant feeding and physical activity practices of American Indian parents in the intervention tribal communities.

Methods: This preliminary analysis of approximately 100 mothers from three Northwest tribes were matched on location and tribal enrollment and randomly assigned by tribe to the intervention condition. Participants completed demographic and baseline surveys. Data was obtained from intervention sites only when participants initially enrolled.

Results: The results of this preliminary analysis will provide a first look at the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of AI/AN mothers and will be descriptive of AI/AN communities. It will describe breast feeding and solid food introduction knowledge and physical activity beliefs. It will also illustrate where AI/AN mothers receive advice regarding when and what to feed their babies.

Conclusions: Although data analysis is in progress, preliminary findings suggest that many AI/AN families would benefit from increased education on breastfeeding and solid food introduction. These findings will be confirmed and completed by March 2008.

Public Health Implications: The characterization of infant feeding and physical activity practices of AI/AN parents in tribal communities will provide an essential foundation for appropriate interventions and will be useful to other AI/AN communities across the country who are developing feeding or physical activity interventions.