A systematic review of parent role modeling of healthy eating and physical activity for their young African American children

Abstract

Purpose: We systematically reviewed current literature on parent role modeling of healthy eating and physical activity as a strategy to influence healthy weight of middle school-age African American children.

Conclusions: The evidence for parent role modeling is low to average. Most studies did not target African American participants or middle school-age children.

Practice implications: Nurses can begin to remedy deficient knowledge of parent role modeling by assessing parent attitudes, beliefs, and healthy behaviors, as well as the children's. Existing dietary and physical activity guidelines are not specific to African Americans but can be a starting point for educating parents.

Keywords: African American; diet; parent influence; parent role modeling; physical activity.