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Introduction Maternal feeding practices may be linked to infant obesogenic outcomes, but research to date has focused primarily on infant growth as an outcome of maternal feeding practices rather than exploring additional obesogenic outcomes like infant appetite and diet. Therefore, the current study examined the association between maternal feeding practices and beliefs and infant growth, diet, and appetite simultaneously at a critical timepoint for obesity risk development (i.e., 3-months-old). Methods Thirty-two 3-month-old infants and their mothers participated in this cross-sectional study. Infant anthropometrics were collected by trained staff and mothers completed questionnaires regarding maternal feeding practices and beliefs and infant diet and appetite. The data were analyzed by Spearman correlations. Results Statistically significant correlations were identified between maternal feeding practices (e.g., using food to calm, concern about infant weight) and infant satiety, appetite, food responsiveness, slow eating, and kilocalories consumed. Infant weight-for-length was related to maternal concern about infant underweight and mother-infant social interaction during feeding. Discussion These findings highlight the importance of the mother-infant feeding relationship and how these associations may influence responsive feeding practices and infant weight-related outcomes., Author(s): Angela Combs [sup.1] , Katlyn Garr [sup.1] , Christopher Bolling [sup.2] , Taylor Gates [sup.1] , Veronica Mehl [sup.1] , Taylor Adams [sup.1] , Krystin Turner [sup.3] , Cathleen [...]

A demographic and cultural profile of African-American youth is presented. Culturally-based differences in decision-making are reviewed. Attitudes and cultural values related to identity and self-image, gender role socialization, contraception, marriage and parenthood, homosexuality, and HIV/AIDS are described. Recommendations and strategies to make sexuality education and pregnancy prevention programs relevant to African-American youth are offered., In 1990, 5,493,000 African-American youth between the ages of 10 and 19 were living in the United States, representing 16% of the total U.S. youth population and 17.6% of the [...]

Adolescent pregnancy and parenthood have emerged as major social issues in recent years. This article review the problem of early childbearing, discussing some of the most common misconceptions about the issue as well as some of the reasons why this problem is of major concern, and suggests some possible solutions. It also provides information on a number of resources that could be useful to professionals and parents.