Context Matters: A Community Based Study of Urban Minority Parents Viewpoints on Children's Health

Introduction: Substantial ethnoracial minority disparities have been documented among children, across a broad range of health-related behaviors, experiences, and outcomes.  Addressing these child health disparities is important, as childhood and adolescence establish health trajectories that extend throughout a person’s lifespan.

Purpose: To gain community insights on specific childhood health issues that could be addressed through a community-based participatory intervention aimed at improving parenting.

Methods: Through a community-based participatory research approach, eight focus groups were conducted among 75 African American parents in an urban Southeastern city. Methodology was based on grounded theory.

Results: Although the focus of this investigation was on the community identification of child on health priorities, participants identified contextual factors as the root determinants of children’s health, including violence and lack of healthy food options.  Social factors such as poor parenting skills, involvement and limited capacities were identified as important issues to address by community programs that address child health. Establishing positive community social capital and constructive activities for children were cited as central to promoting the health and success of children in their neighborhoods. 

Conclusions:  Among parents in this study, parenting was viewed as a major influence on children’s health.  Results highlight the importance of considering contextual factors when addressing children’s health and demonstrate that these factors differ, not only by race and ethnicities, but by geography and community context. Pediatricians, community health workers, and community-based organizations are in a key position to promote services for the whole child, delivered through supporting better parenting.