Adams V, Gladden A, Craddock J. Perceptions of Health Among Black Women in Emerging Adulthood: Alignment With a Health at Every Size Perspective.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2022;
54:916-924. [PMID:
36055946 PMCID:
PMC9561025 DOI:
10.1016/j.jneb.2022.07.004]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To explore the health perceptions of Black women in emerging adulthood and the degree to which perceptions align with core Health at Every Size (HAES) principles.
DESIGN
Semistructured interviews with Black women in emerging adulthood. Data were collected between June and July 2018 as part of a larger, mixed-methods study.
SETTING
Southern California.
PARTICIPANTS
Forty-one Black women aged 18-24 years were recruited via a combination of convenience and respondent-drive sampling.
PHENOMENON OF INTEREST
Health perceptions of young Black women and alignment with core HAES principles.
ANALYSIS
Data were analyzed using principles of inductive thematic analysis. Following analysis, data were further interpreted within the HAES framework.
RESULTS
Participants' insights resulted in 3 main themes: (1) health is multidimensional, (2) good health means taking care of yourself, and (3) systemic and environmental disparities affect Black women's health. These themes reflect 3 HAES principles of health enhancement, weight inclusivity, and eating for well-being.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
Findings provide preliminary support for aligning HAES principles and perceptions and health for Black women in emerging adulthood. Prioritizing holistic well-being, attention to individualized health needs and access to needed information and resources in efforts to improve health outcomes among members of this demographic may be promising.
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