Health Literacy and Predictors of Body Weight in Turkish Children

Abstract

PurposeThis study assessed the association between health literacy (both of children and their parents) and body weight in Turkish schoolchildren. This study also aimed to determine the predictors of body weight in children. Design and methodsThis was a descriptive, correlational study that enrolled students and their parents from Turkish secondary schools. Data were collected using the Health Literacy Scale for School-Aged Children, Adult Health Literacy Scale, socio-demographic questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. ResultsThe mean child age was 12.76 ± 1.27; 40.2% were male, 41.5% had higher health literacy and 17.2% were obese. Child health literacy did not correlate with body mass index (r = 0.04, p > 0.05), but correlated positively with parent health literacy (r = 0.17, p < 0.05). Parent body mass index was the only explanatory variable in child body mass index. ConclusionsObesity in schoolchildren correlates with parental obesity. The results showed parents should participate in practising strategies that aim to prevent and treat childhood obesity. Practice implicationsChildren's health literacy skills can be improved to develop their health and academic achievements.