Weight related perceptions and perceived threat to disease among African American Women in Mississippi

Background: Nationally, African American women have the highest obesity prevalence compared to women of other racial and ethnic groups; and Mississippi has the highest adult obesity rate in the nation. Obesity contributes to many chronic diseases.  Studies have shown that African American women (AAW) misperceive their weight status. These studies have implied that such misperception may prevent women or decrease their motivation to participate in weight loss programs, disagree that their weight is a health risk, and may not be receptive to public health messages. What is unclear are the reasons why AAW misperceive their weight status. This doctoral dissertation study is the first attempt in Mississippi to empirically document this health-related issue.

Methods: Qualitative research methodology was utilized to collect data from thirty-six African American. Women were 21 years of age and older from all socioeconomic and educational backgrounds from Hinds County in Mississippi. Focus groups were conducted to explore attitudes, beliefs, and contributing factors to weight perception of African American women in Mississippi. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the collected data.

Results: Key themes presented as contributing factors to weight perception reflective of interpretations across focus group discussions were (1) body mass index chart, (2) stigma of the word “obese”, and (3) denial.

Conclusion: Findings will assist public health and health care providers with developing tailored interventions and programs to address weight related insight and establish policies on how weight is assessed for this population.