Jackson, Azzairia2023-02-162023-02-162021-05https://hdl.handle.net/11299/252476University of Minnesota M.S. thesis. May 2021. Major: Nutrition. Advisor: Marla Reicks. 1 computer file (PDF); vii, 77 pages.AbstractBackground Hispanic/Latino adolescents have a high prevalence of overweight/obesity and many are not meeting diet and physical activity (PA) recommendations. Latino father food and PA parenting practices can impact adolescent diet and PA behaviors. Paternal self-efficacy (PSE) for promoting healthy eating and PA may enhance frequency of positive food and PA parenting practices and healthy youth behaviors, yet little information is available about these relationships and change in PSE after intervention programs. Objective Evaluate relationships between PSE for promoting healthy behaviors, father food and PA parenting practices, and adolescent diet and PA, and intervention-based change in PSE. Study Design, Settings, Participants Baseline (n = 190 father/youth (10-14 years) dyads) and intervention data (n = 110 dyads) were used from the community-based, Padres Preparados, Jóvenes Saludables program, a randomized, controlled trial in Minneapolis/St. Paul (2017-2020). Eight-weekly education sessions focused on parenting skills and practices, nutrition and PA. Evaluation survey data were collected pre-post program. Measurable Outcome/Analysis PSE, parenting practices, and youth behaviors were measured with scales with acceptable psychometric properties and 24-hour dietary recalls. Regression analyses examined associations between PSE, parenting practices and youth behaviors. T-tests evaluated intervention-based change in PSE. Results Mean youth age was 11.6 years, 49% were boys. Adolescent screen time was negatively associated with PSE for promoting PA. Increased PSE was positively associated with increased modeling of fruit and vegetable intake and PA and with making fruit and vegetables and PA opportunities available. PSE for promoting PA increased from pre to post program for intervention compared to control group fathers. Conclusion Confidence in the ability to promote healthy youth lifestyle behaviors was associated with increased frequency of positive paternal modeling and availability practices. PSE for promoting PA improved from pre to post program. Educators could include strategies to promote PSE in future educational programs.enThesis or Dissertation