Perceptions Of Childhood Obesity Research Articles

Parenting style and perceptions of children's weight among US Hispanics: a qualitative analysis.

Parental perceptions of their children's weight status may limit their willingness to participate in or acknowledge the importance of early interventions to prevent childhood obesity. This study aimed to examine potential differences in Hispanic mothers' and fathers' perceptions of childhood obesity, lifestyle behaviors and communication preferences to inform the development of culturally appropriate childhood obesity interventions. A qualitative study using focus groups was conducted. Groups (one for mothers and one for fathers) were composed of Hispanic parents (n = 12) with at least one girl and one boy (≤ 10 years old) who were patients at a pediatric clinic in Tennessee, USA. Thirteen major themes clustered into four categories were observed: (i) perceptions of childhood obesity/children's weight; (ii) parenting strategies related to children's dietary behaviors/physical activity; (iii) perceptions of what parents can do to prevent childhood obesity and (iv) parental suggestions for partnering with child care providers to address childhood obesity. Mothers appeared to be more concerned than fathers about their children's weight. Fathers expressed more concern about the girls' weight than boys'. Mothers were more likely than fathers to congratulate their children more often for healthy eating and physical activity. Parents collectively expressed a desire for child care providers (e.g. caregivers, teachers, medical professionals and food assistance programs coordinators) to have a caring attitude about their children, which might in turn serve as a motivating factor in talking about their children's weight. Parental perceptions of their children's weight and healthy lifestyle choices are of potential public health importance since they could affect parental participation in preventive interventions.

Children and Parents’ Perceptions of Family Functioning Relating to Childhood Obesity

The aim of this study was to describe the perception that children and their parents have about the family functioning relating to childhood obesity. A qualitative study, based on the family systemic theory, was developed. The participants were four children between 10 and 13 years old, with diagnosed obesity, overweight and normal weight, and five of their parents (four females and one male). The techniques used were semi structure interviews, which were audio-taped and transcribed to an electronic format. A thematic content analysis was applied, obtaining six categories: communication, beliefs about weight and body image, beliefs about food, family patterns, controlling eating and attempted solutions. The findings suggest the existence of paradox communication in the families, with contradictory and ambiguous instructions about the eating behavior of the child; beliefs about an ideal weight and type of body for children and adults; ideas about the nutritional qualities of the food that classify them as healthy or prejudicial; family norms that differ according to the role of who buys, cooks or allows the ingest of specific foods; children referring difficulties to control the food intake, while the parents point out that someone else is responsible for that lack of control; also, some strategies that the family has tried unsuccessfully to control the children weight were mentioned, such as diet or nutritional treatments. In summary, we conclude that the perception of childhood obesity is shared by parents and children, where the family interactions emerge as an element that maintains the children obesity having a lack of understatement about the necessary actions for the children’s healthy development.

G481(P) Insights into factors affecting childhood obesity in united kingdom migrants of south asian origin

Introduction Childhood obesity represents a significant threat to the health and wellbeing of future generations of adults in the United Kingdom (UK). Certain ethnic minorities including those of South Asian origin experience notably higher rates of childhood obesity. As the primary care-providers in South Asian culture, mothers play a significant role in determining child health: improved understanding of perceptions regarding childhood obesity may therefore facilitate the development of targeted public health strategy. This study aimed to determine the views of South Asian mothers regarding childhood obesity. Methods A purposive sampling strategy was used to identify mothers of children aged 3–11 years of South Asian origin attending a childrens’ day centre in Bradford, UK. Eligible mothers were consented for participation in semi-structured in-depth interviews regarding childhood obesity. Interviews were facilitated by an experienced qualitative researcher in the presence of a dedicated translator. All conversations were electronically recorded and independently reviewed for retrospective quality control. Thematic and content analysis was applied in order to generate coding themes for analysis in order to facilitate indexing and summarisation of key data. Results A total of 14 mothers, aged 32.4 ± 6 years were interviewed. Thematic and content analysis generated four distinct themes: 1) perception of childhood obesity; 2) implications for long-term health; 3) awareness of preventative measures; and 4) barriers to prevention. Participants reported reasonable awareness of obesity as a risk factor for future health problems but knowledge of specific disease states was limited. Understanding of contributory risk factors including diet was high; however awareness of exercise as a preventative measure was poor with only 7% of participants reporting their children to be involved in regular exercise. Despite this finding, 50% felt that their children gained enough exercise. Knowledge of locally available interventions including healthy eating schemes and extra-curricular activities was highly variable with first-generation migrants displaying a complete lack of awareness. Conclusions This study highlights a lack of awareness of preventative measures in addition to poor knowledge of available interventions. This suggests a need for promoting culturally sensitive obesity education and intervention planning in partnership with families of South Asian origin, especially amongst first–generation migrants.

Perception of Childhood Obesity in Mothers of Preschool Children

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to identify the perception of childhood obesity in mothers of preschool children using Q methodology. MethodsA total of 38 Q statements about childhood obesity were obtained from 41 participants. The QUANL PC program was used to analyze the results. ResultsThere were three types of perception toward obesity in mothers of preschool children: the “authoritative discipline type,” the “generous home meal focused type,” and the “home meal based on household financial situation type.” ConclusionThe perception of mothers toward childhood obesity can affect the extent of maternal interaction with children or meal preparation for the family. Based on these results, it is necessary to plan specific programs according to the types of maternal perception toward childhood obesity.

“A little on the heavy side”: a qualitative analysis of parents' and grandparents' perceptions of preschoolers' body weights

ObjectivesParents’ difficulties in perceiving children's weight status accurately pose a barrier for family-based obesity interventions; however, the factors underlying weight misinterpretation still need to be identified. This study's objective was...

Childhood obesity perceptions among African American caregivers in a rural Georgia community: a mixed methods approach.

Given the pivotal role of African American caregiver's perceptions of childhood obesity in rural areas, the inclusion of caregiver's perceptions could potentially reduce childhood obesity rates. The objective of the current study was to explore childhood obesity perceptions among African Americans in a rural Georgia community. This concurrent mixed methods study utilized two theoretical frameworks: Social Cognitive Theory and Social Ecological Model. Using a convenience sample, caregivers ages 22-65 years completed a paper-based survey (n = 135) and a face-to-face interview (n = 12) to explore perceptions of obesity risk factors, health complications, weight status, built environment features, and obesity prevention approaches. Descriptive statistics were generated and a six-step process was used for qualitative analysis. Participants commonly cited behavioral risk factors; yet, social aspects and appearance of the community were not considered contributing factors. Chronic diseases were reported as obesity health complications. Caregivers had a distorted view of their child's weight status. In addition, analysis revealed that caregivers assessed child's weight and height measurements by the child's appearance or a recent doctor visit. Environmental barriers reported by caregivers included safety concerns and insufficient physical activity venues and programs. Also, caregivers conveyed parents are an imperative component of preventing obesity. Although this study found caregivers were aware of obesity risk factors, health complications, built environment features, and prevention approaches their obesity perceptions were not incorporated into school or community prevention efforts. Findings suggest that children residing in rural areas are in need of tailored efforts that address caregiver perceptions of obesity.

Changing eating behaviours to treat childhood obesity in the community using Mandolean: the Community Mandolean randomised controlled trial (ComMando)--a pilot study.

Around one in five children in England is obese when they leave primary school. Thus far, it has not been demonstrated that primary care interventions to manage childhood obesity can achieve significant weight reduction. Training obese children to eat more slowly as an adjunct to other healthy lifestyle behaviour change has been shown to increase weight reduction in a hospital setting. This pilot study aimed to test recruitment strategies, treatment adherence, clinic attendance and participants' experiences of using a device [Mandolean® (previously Mandometer®, Mikrodidakt AB, Lund, Sweden)] to slow down speed of eating as an adjunct to dietary and activity advice in treating obesity in primary school-aged children. A two-arm, parallel, randomised controlled trial with a qualitative study embedded within the pilot. Randomisation occurred after informed consent and baseline measures were collected. Participants were randomised by the Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration randomisation service with allocation stratified by hub and minimised by age of the child, gender, and baseline body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score (BMI z-value) of the child, and by BMI of the study parent (obese/not obese). General practices across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire primary care trusts. Children (BMI ≥ 95th percentile) aged 5-11 years and their families. Standard care comprised dietary and activity advice by trained practice nurses. Adjunctive Mandolean training (the intervention) educated participants to eat meals more slowly and to rate levels of fullness (satiety). Mandolean is a small computer device attached to a weighing scale that provides visual and oral feedback during meals while generating a visual representation of levels of satiety during the meal. Participants were encouraged to eat their main meal each day from the Mandolean. One parent was also given a Mandolean to use when eating with the child. Outcomes for the pilot were recruitment of 36 families to the trial in the 9-month pilot phase, that meals would be eaten at least five times a week off a Mandolean by 90% of patients randomised to the intervention arm, that 80% of patients in both arms would attend the weight management clinic appointment 3 months post randomisation and that > 60% of children using Mandolean would demonstrate a reduction in speed of eating from baseline within 3 months of randomisation. None of the criteria for progression to the main trial were reached. Despite numerous pathways being available for referral, only 21 (13 to standard care, eight to intervention arm; 58%) of the target 36 families were recruited in the pilot phase. Less than 20% of those randomised to Mandolean used the device at least five times a week. The > 60% target for slowing down of eating speed by 3 months was unmet. Attendance at the weight management clinic in general practice hubs for both arms of the study at 3 months was 44% against a target of 80%. This pilot trial failed to meet its objectives in terms of recruitment, treatment adherence, demonstration of a reduction in speed of eating in sufficient numbers of children, and attendance at follow-up appointments. Despite a high prevalence of childhood obesity in the geographical area and practices signing up for the trial, this study, like many others, demonstrates a failure of families to engage with and respond to primary care weight management interventions. We need to understand why the target population seems inured to the health message that childhood obesity is a significant health-care issue and identify the barriers to seeking help and then acting on positive health behaviour retraining. Only when we have fully understood the general public's perceptions of childhood obesity and have identified ways of engaging target populations can we hope to develop interventions that can work in a primary or community-based setting. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN90561114. This project was funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 18, No. 47. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Perceptions of Childhood Obesity in Parents of Preschool-Aged Children

This study examined parents’ perceptions of obesity and its prevention in young children. A predominantly Caucasian population of parents (N = 71) of preschool-aged children completed a mixed-methods questionnaire assessing perceptions of childhood obesity. Analysis of variance revealed that men had lower mean scores on the awareness domain ( M = 33.1, SD = 3.1) than women ( M = 36.6, SD = 2.2; t = 4.6, P < .01), and parents of children enrolled in childcare 40+ hours per week reported the lowest mean scores, F(4, 66) = 4.3, P < .01. Significant differences in awareness were also observed based on work status, F(2, 68) = 8.81, P < .01, with parents working full-time ( M = 35, SD = 2.9) having lower mean scores than those working part-time ( M = 37.4, SD = 1.6) or staying at home ( M = 37.3, SD = 1.6). Younger parents also reported better access to resources ( M = 16.3, SD = 3.1 vs M = 17.8, SD = 2.6, respectively; t = 2.1, P < .05). Most parents (56%) reported a need for support despite familiarity with obesity prevention strategies. These data identify specific obesity prevention needs of parents of preschool children, especially those working full-time or with children in daycare.

Perception of childhood obesity and support for prevention policies among Latinos and Whites.

A cross-sectional survey was administered to Latino and White residents of Omaha, NE, to assess perception of the childhood obesity problem, attribution of responsibility, and support for obesity-related policies. The sample included 40.8% (n = 271) Latinos and 59.2% (n = 393) Whites. Among Latinos, 25% did not see childhood obesity as a problem, compared to 6% of Whites (P < 0.001). This difference persisted after adjusting for age, gender, and education level (odds ratio (OR) 2.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–4.14). Latinos were more likely to agree that government was responsible for addressing childhood obesity compared to Whites (OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.82–4.35). Higher support for policy interventions was observed among individuals who perceived childhood obesity as a big problem compared to those who did not, independent of race, sex, age, or education level. The relationship between support for tax-based policies and perception of the childhood obesity problem was mainly evident among Latinos rather than Whites. Despite city-wide efforts to address obesity, differential penetration in community subgroups appears evident. There is room to further engage Latinos in the cause of obesity. Deepening community awareness about the consequences and complexity of childhood obesity can lead to stronger support for childhood obesity policy interventions.

The experiences and understandings of obesity: Families’ decisions to attend a childhood obesity intervention

Objectives: This study investigated the families’ experiences of a childhood obesity intervention and sought to understand factors that influence attendance and lifestyle behaviours.Design: Eleven semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.Results: Four themes emerged highlighting the differences and similarities between attendees and non-attendees perceptions of childhood obesity, perceptions of the intervention, practical barriers and overcoming hurdles to attending and, availability and suitability of local facilities.Conclusions: The findings relate to identity and health communication. For some families attending an obesity intervention may challenge social and individual identities, which may have an impact on subsequent behavioural decisions. Those who attend the obesity intervention may experience a shift in identity, which may or may not initially be perceived as a positive outcome. Public Health and those involved in treatment interventions should aim to bridge the gap between people’s in-group identities and those associated with particular lifestyle behaviours. In order to be effective, services must meet the needs of their clients and address any preconceived negative perceptions by carefully considering how health information is presented, how it is understood and most importantly how identity may affect motivation to engage in, and sustain, new behaviours.

GPs, families and children's perceptions of childhood obesity

Childhood obesity has a high risk of becoming a chronic disease requiring life-long weight management. Evidence based guidelines were developed and distributed to GPs throughout Australia by the NHMRC, but current application falls short. Measuring height and weight, and calculating BMI for children appears to be rare. Some general practitioners (GPs) perceive significant barriers to managing this patient cohort, and patients report not having confidence in their GPs. To explore perceptions and experiences of treating childhood obesity of (i) GPs, (ii) families involved in a childhood obesity study in general practiceâ?? and (iii) families not involved in the project, but who had concerns about childhood obesity. Supported by the literature, a semi-structured schedule was developed to address the aims. Ten GPs and eight families involved, and four families previously not involved in the project participated in interviews in 2009. All family interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Data were thematically analyzed. Five themes emerged: (1) raising the topic, (2) frustrations experienced by GPs and families, (3) support available for GPs to provide to families and/or anticipated by families, (4) successes from involvement in the project and (5) sustaining improvements â?? the GPsâ?? and family's perspectives. All acknowledged that childhood obesity is a sensitive issue with both GPs and parents preferring the other to raise the topic. GPs reported successes in practice and patient management such as improved patient records. For families, the GPs dedication and support were major factors sought.

Accuracy of Adults' Perception of Childhood Obesity in a Military Environment

The aim of this study was to determine how accurately adults in a military environment identified images of children within four different categories: underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese. For this descriptive correlational research study, the sample was composed of 1,016 adults. Chi-square analysis of participant's demographic characteristics and accuracy of identification of six different images of children was conducted. Statistical significance was demonstrated with participant's self-image and accuracy of identification in four of the six images. This research supports the conclusion that individuals who classify themselves as overweight or obese are very accurate in correctly classifying images of children in these categories. While this is true our findings demonstrate that a large number of participants do not correctly self-identify themselves. This suggests that educational campaigns need to include educational components to increase awareness of what children are considered overweight or obese. Without this, the potential exists for the message to be missed as the parent could potentially perceive the overweight or obese child as normal.

Obesity Screening in the Pediatric Emergency Department

The purposes of this study were (1) to examine parental perception of childhood obesity and race with measured body mass index (BMI), (2) to determine if parents are receptive to obesity screening in the pediatric emergency department and if receptivity varies by race or weight status, and (3) to determine eating habits that are predictors of obesity. This study is a cross-sectional study, with a convenience sample of 213 patients (aged 4-16 years accompanied by a parent/legal guardian to a pediatric emergency department). Weight and height were obtained, and parents were asked to complete a survey about perception of their child's weight, nutrition, and exercise habits. The current study found that parent perception of weight status was fairly accurate, and perception was predictive of BMI. Race, however, was not predictive of BMI. Parents were generally receptive of weight screening in the pediatric emergency department, and this did not vary as a function of weight status; however, receptivity did vary based on ethnicity, with African American parents being more receptive than white parents. Large portion sizes and the number of times a child eats fast food per week were found to be predictive of obesity. Greater than half of the children presenting to our pediatric emergency department were overweight or obese. Parents were generally accurate in their perception of their child's weight but were still receptive to obesity prevention and screening in the pediatric emergency department.

Teachers’, Parents’, and Children’s Perceptions of Childhood Obesity in Ras Al Khaimah

Teachers’, Parents’, and Children’s Perceptions of Childhood Obesity in Ras Al Khaimah

Mexican American Mothers’ Perceptions of Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity continues to increase, disproportionately affecting Mexican American children. The aims of this review are to (a) assess the literature regarding Mexican American mothers' knowledge and perceptions of childhood obesity, prevention, and their role in prevention; (b) critically evaluate the methodological quality of the research conducted on mothers' perceptions of childhood obesity; and (c) make recommendations for future research on parental perceptions of childhood obesity. Four databases were searched for relevant articles and 22 studies met inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Social cognitive theory was used to sort findings across studies. Major findings included the following: (a) barriers to childhood obesity prevention included lack of education regarding prevention and role modeling, (b) only 23% of studies explicitly used a theoretical framework to guide their study, and (c) most studies used heterogeneous groups to examine perceptions. Implications for future research and practice are presented.

Perceptions of Childhood Obesity on the Texas-Mexico Border

We sought to determine the extent of intracultural consensus in perceptions of childhood obesity among Mexican American mothers living on the Texas-Mexico border. A descriptive, cross-sectional study examined women's judgments about the parameters of childhood obesity. The convenience sample consisted of 61 Mexican American women who were mothers of at least 1 child under age 18. Participants underwent an anthropometric assessment and were surveyed regarding self-perceived weight and household food security. They were then shown photographs of 36 Mexican American boys ages 6 and 7 and asked to sort them into categories by weight status; they also selected 3 children they believed represented the healthiest, most appropriate weight for age. Accuracy scores were computed and examined for bivariate relationships with women's own body mass index (BMI) and survey responses. We found considerable intracultural variation in women's judgments, which could not be explained by the anthropometric and survey variables tested. Women selected a wide range of percentiles as representative of a healthy child. On average, about half of the truly overweight children (BMI>or=95th percentile), however, were considered normal or even underweight. Local perceptions and language may not correspond to CDC/WHO clinical standards. Larger studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

Caregivers ’ Perception of Childhood Obesity and Food Security: Does It Matter Where You Live?

Caregivers ’ Perception of Childhood Obesity and Food Security: Does It Matter Where You Live?

Parental disconnect between perceived and actual weight status of children: A metasynthesis of the current research

Obesity is one of the most common chronic diseases in childhood. Many studies offer a variety of explanations for the alarming increase in childhood obesity; however, none discuss why an apparent disconnect exists in parental perceptions of their child's weight status. The purpose of this article was to review the current research literature on parental perceptions about their children's weight. The articles included in this review were retrieved through a literature search using PubMed. Key words used to obtain relevant articles include childhood obesity, childhood overweight, and parental perception. Several studies looked at parental perceptions of childhood obesity generated from the United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, and the United States. Universally, parents were more likely to misperceive their child's weight. This was especially true for parents who were themselves overweight. If parents do not recognize their child as at risk for overweight or overweight, they cannot intervene to diminish the risk factors for pediatric obesity and its related complications. More research is needed to identify why this phenomenon occurs. Only then can effective interventions be initiated.

Parental perception of childhood obesity in an inner-city area of Palermo, Italy

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate in a sample of parents living in an inner-city area of Palermo, Italy, the perception of weight excess as a problem in childhood and the awareness about the role of physical activity, beliefs about contributors and parties having responsibility in counteracting the obesity crisis. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was performed on a convenience sample of parents of 6-13 year-old children who attended grades 1, 3 and 5 of primary and grades 1 and 3 of secondary public schools, respectively. Thirteen schools were selected in an inner urban district of Palermo, Italy, this district being characterized by having a population of low to medium income residents. Parents were asked to come to the school and participate in the investigation. The survey was administered in the spring of 2006. After a descriptive analysis, role of specific demographic and social characteristics – education, gender, age class and BMI - of respondents was assessed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Three hundred eleven parents completed the questionnaire. Eighty-three percent believed that being obese in childhood is a serious health hazard, but one third still interpreted the child’s weight excess as an expression of health. The most significant contributors to childhood obesity were thought to be junk food and beverages (78.0%) and fast food (63.2%), followed by lack of exercise in school curriculum (48.7%). Beliefs about responsibilities for combating childhood obesity significantly varied according to education level. Conclusions: Public support for environmental changes could more effectively rise with the increasing public awareness that many interrelated obesogenic factors in the modern environment are playing a key role.

Parental Perceptions of the Schools’ Role in Addressing Childhood Obesity

As childhood obesity has increased, schools have struggled with their role in this epidemic. Parents with a school-age child in a suburban latchkey program were surveyed regarding their perceptions of childhood obesity, body mass index, and the school's role in prevention and treatment of obesity. More than 80% of participants identified inactivity, poor eating behavior, lack of parental control in what children eat, and eating too much as the main causes of childhood obesity. Parents preferred receiving information about their child's body mass index from the school via a letter from the school nurse. Participants agreed that physical education classes, as well as units on nutrition and weight control, should be present in schools. Parents also supported eliminating junk food machines and offering special low-calorie meals. By supporting these strategies, parents indicated that schools should have a role in childhood obesity. School nurses can advocate for parental preferences in their school district.