Comparing Low-income Mothers' and Fathers' Concern for Young Children's Weight

Abstract

PurposeThe objectives of this study were to compare the relationship of mother and father (1) perceived child weight and child body mass index (BMI) z-score, (2) concern for child's current weight and child BMI z-score, and (3) concern for child's future weight and child BMI z-score. Design and MethodsThis cross-sectional study included low-income mothers (n=30) and fathers (n=30) with a young child (3 to 10years old) from the same household. Each parent completed select items from the Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ) with a trained interviewer. Child BMI z-score was calculated. ResultsThere was a significant, positive relationship between fathers' perceived child weight and child BMI z-score (p=0.006) and between fathers' concern for a child's future weight and child BMI z-score (p=0.001) but not among mothers. ConclusionsCohabitating low-income parents of young children may have conflicting appraisals of their child's BMI z-score and concerns for their child's future weight, and low-income fathers may be more accurate and concerned about their children's weight. Practice ImplicationsBased on findings from this study, healthcare providers including physicians and nurses should attempt to include fathers in discussions regarding their child's weight for obesity prevention, especially in low-income families.