Parental Perceptions of Preschool Overweight: A Qualitative Examination

Abstract

Previous research conducted by this group indicated 17% of Hartford’s children (2-3 YO) are overweight with an additional 17% at risk for overweight. Anecdotally, parents in the community expressed dissatisfaction with standard clinical preschool overweight (POW) assessment and nutrition education. This study sought to identify responsive strategies to educate families in POW prevention. Researchers conducted 10 focus groups (ave. size = 8 people) with low-resource, minority parents of preschoolers at daycare centers and community agencies in Hartford. Eighteen of the focus group participants also participated in an individual semi-structured in-depth follow-up interview. Using content analysis, two researchers coded transcripts for emergent themes with critical evaluation from a third researcher. The team then developed a theoretical model for POW. Dominant themes focused on the importance and definition of health, the uniqueness of the child, and a detached approach to extreme POW. 1) Parents wanted their children to be healthy and happy; however, weight was not included in their definition of health. 2) Viewing every child as unique, parents considered the growth chart an unacceptable diagnostic tool that groups children together without accounting for the complexity of the individual. 3) Parents discussed extreme POW in the third person, finding fault with others’ parenting practices but not their own. Attempting to prevent POW, this research team will develop nutrition education materials focusing on preventing negative health outcomes. Additionally, this group will work with healthcare professionals to create a tool for evaluating POW that is accepted by parents. (Funding: USDA National Needs Fellowship, FSNE#04DSS4712AY)