Perceptions Of Childhood Obesity Research Articles

Understanding childhood obesity in Pakistan: exploring the knowledge, attitudes, practices of mothers, and influential factors. A cross-sectional study

BackgroundChildhood obesity is a significant public health issue with far-reaching implications. The World Health Organization reported that in 2020, around 38 million children under five were overweight or obese globally, and in 2016, 340 million children and adolescents aged 5–19 were affected. In Pakistan, the situation is alarming; 66.9% of school-going children in Punjab were overweight, and 5.8% were obese in 2022. This study explores mothers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding childhood obesity in Pakistan and identifies factors contributing to this epidemic. Maternal perspectives are crucial as they significantly influence children’s dietary habits, physical activity, and attitudes toward food and body image.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2023 to January 2024 at four medical centers: Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College Hospitals Karachi, Baqai Medical University Karachi, and Nishtar Medical University Multan. The study included 191 mothers with children aged 5 to 15 years. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceptions of childhood obesity. IBM-SPSS version 26.0 was used for data analysis, employing statistical tests like Kruskal-Wallis, Mann–Whitney U, Spearman, or Kendall Tau correlation to examine associations.ResultsAmong the 191 mothers, 48.7% had education beyond intermediate, and 86.9% were housewives. The children’s BMI distribution showed that 27.7% were obese and 21.5% overweight. Mothers had moderate knowledge (60.5%) about childhood obesity; 75.4% recognized its long-term health risks, and 62.8% associated it with diabetes. Attitudes were generally positive, with a 78.5% average score. Most mothers (73.8%) believed obesity could be controlled and had healthy practices (70.1% average score). However, 96.9% reported witnessing stigmatization of obese children, and 79.6% felt pressured by relatives about their child’s weight.ConclusionThe findings indicate that while Pakistani mothers have moderate knowledge and positive attitudes toward childhood obesity, their practices are influenced by educational and socioeconomic factors. Addressing these disparities, enhancing public health initiatives, and mitigating stigmatization could improve childhood obesity management in Pakistan.

Parental Perceptions and Concerns Related to the Consequences of Pediatric Obesity: Feeling or Real Problem?

Lifestyle modifications (i.e., nutrition and physical activity) remain the main tools in the context of childhood obesity’s treatment and prevention of short and long-term consequences. At the same time, parental perception of child weight represents an even more important tool. It is known that more than half of parents of overweight/obese children underestimate their child’s weight status or are not worried about the risks associated with childhood overweight/obesity. Consequently, parental perception of childhood obesity can often be erroneous, and, even when accurate, subsequent parental behaviors can inadvertently contribute to the onset or persistence of childhood and adult obesity. Starting from the evidence that targeting a parent to induce a behavioral change is more effective than targeting the child only without parental participation, parental perceptions of childhood obesity can therefore represent a very important tool to take into consideration to achieve improvements in the context of childhood obesity. Therefore, knowledge of parental perception of children's weight status is needed to help pediatricians to organize and adapt activities and programs that promote healthy weight management among children. Specifically, early assessments of parents' perceptions of a child's weight, followed by regular follow-up visits, appropriate feedback, continuing education efforts, and efforts to follow the child’s weight status over time, can be potentially very helpful

Parental Perception of childhood obesity

Abstract Background and aims Childhood obesity rate continues to grow in the UK with children from deprived backgrounds being at greater risk. While a large part of the literature focuses on the determinants of child obesity less is known about the factors that can lead a parent to misclassify their child’s weight status. The aim of this study was to investigate parental perception of their child’s weight status, compared to their measured weight. Methods Height, weight, and waist circumference were measured for 232 school children enrolled in Year 2 and Year 5 during the academic year 2019-2020 from ten schools in Barnet Council, London, UK. In addition, data were collected from parents on their child’s weight status and perception, health beliefs, eating habits, exercise habits, family anthropometric and health information. Information from 110 mothers and 17 fathers was retrieved. The WHO growth charts were used to classify the children’s BAZ scores. Results Results show that 46% of the parents classified their child’s weight status incorrectly, they either overestimated or underestimated their child’s body weight and/or shape. Specifically, 52% of parents of overweight/obese children reported their children as normal weight. Factors associated with parents’ child weight status misclassification child’s age (p = .771), ethnicity (p = .445), parents’ education (p = .227), and marital status (p = 0.07). Conclusions Parental perception of child’s weight status has important implications in terms of changes in household eating behaviours and attitudes. Understanding the key factors affecting parental perception is of paramount importance when developing interventions and policies aimed at tackling child obesity. Key messages • Parents classify their children’s weight status incorrectly, making it hard for policy change to be effective. • Policy change can only happen if parents play an active role in understanding and perceiving if their child is overweight or obese.

Healthcare professionals\u2019 perceptions of childhood obesity in Iquitos, Peru: a qualitative study

BackgroundChildhood obesity is an urgent worldwide concern associated with increased morbidity in adulthood. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are well placed to influence childhood obesity trends and implement interventions. English-language studies regarding HCPs’ perceptions of childhood obesity are limited to high-income countries. Peru is an upper-middle-income country with regional disparities in childhood obesity prevalence. This qualitative study aims to explore HCPs’ perceptions of childhood obesity in Iquitos, Peru, where prevalence is relatively low.MethodsTwenty-one HCPs with child healthcare experience were purposively recruited from two primary healthcare centres. Semi-structured, individual interviews were conducted with a translator and audio recorded. Transcribed data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsEight themes were identified and divided into four categories: (1) HCPs’ perceptions and attitudes towards childhood obesity (level of concern regarding childhood obesity, perceived consequences of childhood obesity); (2) Factors which HCPs perceive to be important in the development of childhood obesity (parental factors, contextual factors); (3) HCPs’ perceptions of their role in childhood obesity prevention and management (educating parents about childhood obesity, regular monitoring of child growth); and (4) Barriers and facilitators in childhood obesity prevention and management (in healthcare, in schools).ConclusionsHCPs had a low level of concern regarding childhood obesity in Iquitos and prioritised undernutrition. Parental factors were perceived to be the most influential in the development of childhood obesity. HCPs perceived themselves to have minimal influence due to prevailing positive views of excess weight and difficulties engaging parents. Educating parents about childhood obesity was felt to be essential to prevention and management although regular monitoring of child growth and home healthcare visits were viewed as useful additional measures. This study can help to inform the development of targeted public health strategies which are sensitive to local contexts and could prevent the upward childhood obesity trends evident elsewhere in Peru.

Strong support for broad policies to prevent childhood obesity among mothers in New South Wales, Australia.

Support for broad policies to prevent childhood obesity is not clear. This study aimed to investigate the level of support for state government health promotion policies among mothers with infants and its associated factors. This secondary analysis of data from 1155 mothers in NSW assessed approval for six policy options derived from public health approaches to obesity. Descriptive statistics were used to show the extent of policy approval across the cohort. Logistic regression models tested associations between perceived susceptibility and perceived severity of childhood obesity and approval of each policy option. The proportion of mothers who felt these policy options were 'about the right amount' (56%-68%) or 'not going far enough' (24%-36%), collectively represented 89%-95% approval of government intervention. In comparison, 5%-11% felt that these policies were 'going too far'. Factors associated with their levels of support varied between each policy option, based on mothers' characteristics and perceptions of childhood obesity. These findings indicate high support for government intervention to prevent obesity among mothers in NSW and support health promotion advocacy in this area. SO WHAT?: Governments should give due consideration to implementing each of the six policy options and prioritise the implementation of restrictions on fast food advertising in publicly owned or controlled areas.

Examining Whether the Social Cognitive Theory Concepts Predict Childhood Obesity Prevention Outcome Expectations.

The social cognitive theory (SCT) has been used to explain and promote childhood obesity prevention behaviors. We examined whether the SCT concepts predicted outcome expectations of childhood obesity among the children of African American caregivers. Caregivers (n = 128) completed the childhood obesity perceptions paper-based survey. A multiple linear regression was conducted to determine the direct effects of moral disengagement, environment, self-efficacy, and behavioral capability on outcome expectations (p < .05). A mediation analysis using a bootstrapping bias correction method was used to test whether self-efficacy and behavioral capability mediated the effect of moral disengagement and environment on outcome expectations. Caregivers reported high levels of moral disengagement (M = 4.13; standard deviation [SD] = 0.70) and self-efficacy (M = 4.26; SD = 0.64) and moderate levels of behavioral capability (M = 2.83; SD = 0.75) and environment (M = 2.92; SD = 0.74). Findings indicated the hypothesized relationships in the SCT were not fully supported. In addition, the indirect effects of environment on outcome expectations were not statistically significantly mediated by behavioral capability. This research warrants more attention in testing the SCT concepts for the development of childhood obesity prevention efforts that prioritize African American families in rural communities.

State Lawmaker's Views on Childhood Obesity and Related School Wellness Legislation.

School wellness legislation has potential to impact the health of children and alter the obesity crisis in the United Sates. Little is known about how state lawmakers perceive child wellness legislation effectiveness relative to obesity prevention. Our purpose was to understand state lawmakers' perceptions of childhood obesity and school wellness policies relative to the Social Ecological Model (SEM). Twenty-one state representatives and nine state senators from one US state completed in-depth interviews. Member checks and peer debriefing occurred throughout data collection and analysis. Transcripts were coded and triangulated. A conventional content analysis generated consistent themes. Five main themes developed: (1) child overweight and obesity is problematic; (2) current legislation is ineffective; (3) funding and enforcing child wellness legislation is difficult; (4) it is difficult to legislate personal behavior; and (5) efforts from other levels of the SEM are more effective at promoting wellness. Lawmakers understand negative impacts of child obesity, but perceive immediate legislative issues like budgetary concerns inhibit robust policy-oriented action. Participants believe parents, guardians, and individuals should ultimately be responsible for child wellness. Community, school, and family efforts to address childhood obesity and support wellness may be more effective in achieving positive outcomes than state and federal policy.

Strategies for Managing Childhood Obesity in Primary Schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana

Childhood obesity is a critical global public health issue due to its association with psychological, social, economic and health problems. This study explored the potency of using teachers in managing childhood obesity among primary school pupils in a Ghanaian Metropolis, Cape Coast. Structured questionnaire were used for data collection. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 133 teachers as respondents for the study. Analyses were done using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations. The study revealed that teachers were appreciably aware of and had useful perceptions of childhood obesity which could be built upon by way of interventional strategies to curb obesity among the school pupils.. These included physical activity-based strategies and dietary-based strategies such as: children being allowed to play and run around during break periods (91.7%); no foods, sweets and drinks being allowed in the classroom during lessons (84.1%); and existence of a school policy that guides the type of foods sold on school premises (72.0%). However, the teachers needed to be supported to effectively manage the phenomenon in the school environment. School authorities could develop policies on sale of food and snacks on school premises and ensure adherence to the policies through strict enforcement.

Mexican American Parental Knowledge and Perceptions of Childhood Obesity: An Integrative Review.

For the past two decades, childhood obesity has remained a national public health concern, particularly among Hispanic populations. Multiple cross-sectoral obesity prevention strategies have been implemented yet remain unsuccessful in generating sustainable lifestyle changes. The purpose of this integrative review, using the Whittemore and Knafl method, was to examine the literature from 2009 to 2018 regarding Mexican American parental knowledge and perceptions of childhood obesity. The CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, and ERIC databases were used to search the literature, and 13 peer-reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria. Three main themes emerged from the literature synthesis: (1) parental misperception of child body weight and size, (2) influence of cultural health and growth beliefs on parental perception of child weight, and (3) parental perspectives of causes and consequences of childhood obesity and how to address it. However, cultural variations in parental perceptions were found; therefore, attempts to generalize Mexican Americans' cultural practices should be avoided. Studies using qualitative approaches are needed to gain deeper insights about Mexican American culture regarding children's health as it relates to body weight, the roles of different family members in the Mexican American childrearing tradition, and the impact of their associated health beliefs.

Parents’ Perceptions of Childhood Obesity and Support of the School Wellness Policy

ObjectiveInvestigate differences in familiarity of parents of school-aged children with school wellness polices (SWP) and perceptions of the problem of childhood obesity related to support for the SWP and school's role in providing a healthy environment. MethodsDescriptive, cross-sectional study using telephone surveys conducted in spring, 2016. T test statistics compared differences between parents with high vs low SWP familiarity and agreement vs disagreement of childhood obesity as problematic. ResultsNearly half of parents (49.5%) had low familiarity with SWP. Overall, fewer parents agreed that obesity was a local school problem compared with a statewide problem (P < .001). Differences in agreement about childhood obesity explained some differences in SWP support. Conclusions and ImplicationsGreater awareness is needed among parents of schoolchildren regarding the SWP as well as the prevalence of childhood obesity. This could be achieved through increased development, implementation, and evaluation of communication efforts between schools and families regarding health-promoting environments.

Engaging Intergenerational Hispanics/Latinos to Examine Factors Influencing Childhood Obesity Using the PRECEDE-PROCEED Model.

Introduction Hispanics/Latinos are disproportionately affected by obesity in the U.S. Multiple factors place Hispanic/Latino children at risk for overweight, warranting guidance of a socio-ecologic approach to examine causes of obesity. The purpose of this study was to increase understanding of the factors that influence Hispanic/Latino childhood obesity through an intergenerational lens including children, parents/caregivers, and grandparents. Methods Eight focus groups were conducted with Hispanics/Latinos (N = 68 adults, N = 22 youth), using a semi-structured moderator's guide. Audio-recordings were transcribed, and thematically analyzed. Findings were categorized within the PRECEDE-PROCEED planning model. Results Adult participants were middle-aged (M = 37.8 ± 9.8years) and youth were between the ages of 10-17 (M = 14.0 ± 1.8years). Six themes emerged: eating habits, cultural perceptions of weight, acculturation, childhood obesity perceptions, economic issues, and generational differences. The major parental influence was lack of time to provide healthy meals due to socio-economic factors: long work hours and availability of nearby fast food options. Youth shared that childhood obesity is due to sedentary behaviors, permissive parenting and lack of parental modeling (the latter two factors often exacerbated by extended work schedules). Discussion Discordant perceptions about unhealthy eating habits emerged. Adults expressed a lack of nutritional knowledge and skills to prepare healthy meals; while adolescents emphasized permissive parenting styles and lack of discipline lead to unhealthy lifestyles in Hispanic families. Findings emphasize involving parents/caregivers and youth to understand discordant perceptions that can inform the development of prevention programs.

Is Childhood Overweight/Obesity Perceived as a Health Problem by Mothers of Preschool Aged Children in Bangladesh? A Community Level Cross-Sectional Study.

Childhood obesity is rapidly rising in many developing countries such as Bangladesh; however, the factors responsible for this increase are not well understood. Being the primary caregivers of children, particularly in developing countries, maternal perceptions and knowledge could be important factors influencing the weight status of children. This study aimed to assess maternal perceptions of childhood obesity and associated socio-demographic factors in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study using stratified random sampling was conducted among 585 mothers whose children aged 4 to 7 years attended preschools in a district town. Body Mass Index of the children was calculated and weight status categorized according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) criteria. Maternal perceptions were assessed using a self- or interviewer-administered questionnaire. Multinomial logistic regression was used to obtain crude and adjusted odds ratios. Fourteen percent of children were overweight or obese and approximately 30% were underweight. Only 3.1% of children were perceived as overweight/obese by their mothers. Over one-third (35%) of mothers perceived that childhood overweight/obesity could be a health problem and over two-thirds (68.6%) were not aware of any health consequences of childhood obesity. Maternal perceptions were significantly associated with maternal education, family income, and weight status of the child but were not associated with the sex of the child. We have identified knowledge gaps regarding maternal perception of childhood obesity and its contributing factors in a developing country. These findings can be used to develop and test parent-focused educational interventions for preventing childhood obesity in Bangladesh.

Parental Perceptions of Childhood Obesity: Systematic Literature Review

Aim: This review investigated the parental perceptions of their child's obesity including theoretical perspectives that have been used to explore and understand the phenomenon. Design: Integrative review of empirical and theoretical literature. Methods: The CINAHL, PsychINFO, and SocINDEX databases were used to conduct a literature search of the terms “parental perception and childhood obesity”. Search requirements were indicated full text academic journals with a timeline of 2000-2013. Both quantitative and qualitative articles that focused on participant perceptions were viewed. Among the 127 articles, there was only one that defined the term “parental perception of childhood obesity” and another article defined the term “parental perception”. A possible clarification for why none of the articles clearly defined “perception” may be an underlying assumption that the reader simply understood the term. Results: The results of these studies indicate that a large percentage of parents do not perceive their children to be overweight or obese. Parental beliefs regarding childhood obesity, parental weight status, and parental educational level may influence parents’ perceptions of their children’s weight. Moreover, from the synthesis of the literature, the father’s role has been underrepresented in child health research. Conclusion: Future research is required to validate the conceptual definition of parental perception and encourage father involvement in childcare. Such research will enable nurses to assist parents to improve the health outcomes for their children by developing effective strategies to manage and prevent childhood obesity.

Exploring Childhood Obesity Perceptions Among Caregivers of African American Children

Childhood obesity efforts have been characterized by low levels of caregiver involvement. This qualitative study explores caregiver perceptions about childhood obesity prevention. We conducted 12 in-depth interviews with caregivers of African American children aged 8–11 years. We used thematic analysis to identify consistent patterns of preventing childhood obesity and encouraging healthy behaviors. Four themes emerged including rural culture and the built environment, physical and social health effects of childhood obesity, measuring childhood obesity, and preventive strategies. Caregivers are cognizant of childhood obesity risk factors and discussed challenges in their rural environment when attempting to practice and maintain health behaviors for their children. They also stated that caregivers were vital in preventing childhood obesity. Our findings highlight the value of involving caregivers in the design and implementation of childhood obesity initiatives. Additionally, future childhood obesity efforts should equip caregivers and children with behavioral skills and resources to assist in developing healthy habits.

P114 - Perceptions of Childhood Obesity are Related to Food and Beverages Served in Head Start Programs: An Examination of Current Practices Across North Carolina

P114 - Perceptions of Childhood Obesity are Related to Food and Beverages Served in Head Start Programs: An Examination of Current Practices Across North Carolina

Parents Perceptions Of Semarang Tri Tunggal Elementary School Students Against Childhood Obesity

The purpose of this study is to find out how the perceptions of parents of SD Tri Tunggal students that fat children are funny and healthy can be formed. Type of this research is qualitative with phenomenology approach. Data were collected by in-depth interview and observation. Research subjects as many as 8 people consisting of 5 parents of Primary School Tri Tunggal, 1 child pediatrician, 1 nutritionist, 1 sports expert. Data were analyzed by content analysis. The results showed that the perception of parents who consider the fat child is funny and healthy is formed because through the first process they like to see and feel the pleasant sensation to see and hug the fat child, plus they have a feeling of proud to have fat children because they consider successfully taking care of their children. After going through the first process, parents lack the hope, motivation and a firm attitude to reduce child obesity. Parents assume if the fat little boy is still funny and healthy. The next process parents have had some bad experience about childhood obesity but looks not considered a serious experience to be addressed, resulting in a learning process that is very less for parents. In the end, parents have the wrong perception of childhood obesity.

Do Maternal Caregiver Perceptions of Childhood Obesity Risk Factors and Obesity Complications Predict Support for Prevention Initiatives Among African Americans?

Objectives African American maternal caregiver support for prevention of childhood obesity may be a factor in implementing, monitoring, and sustaining children's positive health behaviors. However, little is known about how perceptions of childhood obesity risk factors and health complications influence caregivers' support of childhood obesity prevention strategies. The objective of this study was to determine if childhood obesity risk factors and health complications were associated with maternal caregivers' support for prevention initiatives. Methods A convenience sample of maternal caregivers (N = 129, ages 22-65years) completed the childhood obesity perceptions (COP) survey. A linear regression was conducted to determine whether perceptions about childhood obesity risk factors and subsequent health complications influenced caregivers' support for prevention strategies. Results Caregivers' perceptions of childhood obesity risk factors were moderate (M = 3.4; SD = 0.64), as were their perceptions of obesity-related health complications (M = 3.3; SD = 0.75); however, they perceived a high level of support for prevention strategies (M = 4.2; SD = 0.74). In the regression model, only health complications were significantly associated with caregiver support (β = 0.348; p < 0.004). Conclusions Childhood obesity prevention efforts should emphasize health complications by providing education and strategies that promote self-efficacy and outcome expectations among maternal caregivers.

"Culture Is So Interspersed": Child-Minders' and Health Workers' Perceptions of Childhood Obesity in South Africa.

Introduction. Forty-one million children globally are overweight or obese, with most rapid rate increases among low- and middle-income nations. Child-minders and health workers play a crucial role in obesity prevention efforts, but their perceptions of childhood obesity in low- and middle-income countries are poorly understood. This study aims to (1) explore child-minders and health workers' perceptions of the causes, consequences, potential strategies, and barriers for childhood obesity prevention and intervention in Cape Town, South Africa and (2) to provisionally test the fit of a socioecological framework to explain these perceptions. Methods. Twenty-one interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed through analytic induction. Results. Participants identified multilevel factors and contexts, as well as potential consequences and priorities of interest in addressing childhood obesity. An adapted childhood obesity perceptions model was generated, which introduces an overarching cultural dimension embedded across levels of the socioecological framework. Conclusions. Culture plays a pivotal role in explaining obesogenic outcomes, and the results of this study demonstrate the need for further research investigating how obesity perceptions are shaped by cultural frames (e.g., social, political, and historical). Understanding the causes, consequences, and potential interventions to address obesity through a cultural lens is critical for promoting health in low- and middle-income nations.

Prevalence and Perception of Childhood Obesity in California's Farmworker Communities.

In California's central valley, childhood obesity rates are above the national average. The majority of families living in the rural, agricultural communities of this region are immigrant of Mexican heritage, and face numerous social and environmental challenges. Demographic and anthropometric data were collected from a population of Mexican-heritage children 3-8 years (N = 609) and families (N = 466) living in two central valley communities. Overall, 45 % of children and 82 % of mothers were classified as overweight or obese. Multivariable analyses indicated that mother's BMI and acculturation level were positively associated with child BMI z-score. Most children classified as overweight or obese (92 % and 53 %, respectively) were perceived as having 'normal' weight by their mothers. Childhood obesity remains a major public health issue in Mexican-heritage, central valley communities. Our model indicates that mother's BMI is predictor of child obesity, and parents tend to underestimate their child's weight status. These findings highlight a need for family-targeted and culturally-tailored approaches to address relevant perceptions of obesity and risk factors in these communities.

Development and psychometric testing of the childhood obesity perceptions (COP) survey among African American caregivers: A tool for obesity prevention program planning

Currently, public health practitioners are analyzing the role that caregivers play in childhood obesity efforts. Assessing African American caregiver’s perceptions of childhood obesity in rural communities is an important prevention effort. This article’s objective is to describe the development and psychometric testing of a survey tool to assess childhood obesity perceptions among African American caregivers in a rural setting, which can be used for obesity prevention program development or evaluation. The Childhood Obesity Perceptions (COP) survey was developed to reflect the multidimensional nature of childhood obesity including risk factors, health complications, weight status, built environment, and obesity prevention strategies. A 97-item survey was pretested and piloted with the priority population. After pretesting and piloting, the survey was reduced to 59-items and administered to 135 African American caregivers. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to test how well the survey items represented the number of Social Cognitive Theory constructs. Twenty items were removed from the original 59-item survey and acceptable internal consistency of the six factors (α=0.70–0.85) was documented for all scales in the final COP instrument. CFA resulted in a less than adequate fit; however, a multivariate Lagrange multiplier test identified modifications to improve the model fit. The COP survey represents a promising approach as a potentially comprehensive assessment for implementation or evaluation of childhood obesity programs.