P49 The Impact of Sport on Family Meals and Dietary Practices Among Latino High School Soccer Players: A Mixed Methods Study

Background Youth participation in organized sports has been associated with positive health benefits, yet research indicates that youth sport may negatively influence family meals and dietary practices. Research examining family meals among Latino youth is limited. Objective Examine parental social support for healthy eating behaviors among adolescent Latino high school soccer players, including family meal time. Study Design, Settings, Participants Mixed methods using a convergent parallel design with Latino high school soccer players (n = 220; 47% female, mean age = 15.2 years) and a random subset of their mothers (n = 30; mean age 41.5 years). Measurable Outcome/Analysis Multivariate analysis examined factors that influence youths’ perception of parental support of healthy eating and frequency of family meals. Thematic analysis of semi-structured in-depth interviews with mothers explored contextual environment of family meals, perceived benefits, barriers, and strategies to preserve family meal time. Results Latino youth in our study reported eating with family on average 4.6 times per week, with no differences observed by sex ( P = .087). Most (74%) perceived ‘parents make fruits, vegetables and whole grains available in the home.’ Among mothers, four major themes were identified: family unity, schedule conflicts, the importance of fresh foods, and family meal time as a priority. Increased family communication was identified by all mothers as a benefit. Mothers described youth's sport and parents’ work schedules impact timing and frequency of family meals. Also, mothers highly valued eating meals in the home to assure highly nutritious meals. Mothers describe planning and prepping meals ahead of time to accommodate sport schedules. Conclusion Mothers view family meal time as an opportunity to reinforce health and nutrition values as well as cultural practices. Recognizing the importance of family meals for Latino high school soccer players is important to preserve healthy cultural practices and family unity. Funding NIFA.