How do Mothers Explain the Causes of Childhood Obesity? Community-Based Approach in Preschool Centers

ABSTRACT

Parental behaviors and attitudes are effective in health outcomes of children. Obesity among children has been found to be related with limited nutrition knowledge and unhealthy eating and habits. Therefore, this study identified the causes and factors associated with obesity among children and revealed their own routines from the perspective of mothers. Content analysis was used in the current qualitative research. Potential and eligible participants were selected by visiting four preschool centers in Sarab, Iran. The height and weight of 113 children aged 5–6 years were measured by standard scales, along with calculating their body mass index. The mothers of children at or above the 50th percentile were invited to appointments for interviews in the preschool centers. Then, 37 semi-structured face-to-face interviews were carried out with mothers and analyzed by two independent researchers manually. The factors associated with obesity in preschool children were categorized into four main themes, including insufficient physical activity, poor perception of body weight, unhealthy behavioral habits, and genetic factors. The mothers did not consider their children at risk of becoming overweight, as their perceived sensitivity was low. The results of this study can be supportive in designing family and parent-centered interventions to control obesity among children.

KEYWORDS:

• Children
• obesity
• habits
• physical activity
• Iran
• preschool

Acknowledgements

We really appreciate deputy of research and technology for their valuable supports. We also are most grateful for the assistance given by the facilitators and participants. All authors have participated in the conception and design, or analysis and interpretation of the data, drafting or revising the article critically for important intellectual content, and approval of the final version. This manuscript has not been submitted to, nor is under review, at another journal or other publishing venues. Finally, the authors have no affiliation with any organization with a direct or indirect financial interest in the subject matter discussed in the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Abdolrasoul Safaiyan

Abdolrasoul Safaiyan (Master of Science in Biostatistics) lectures full-time at the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. He works with faculty members on research projects.

Fariba Zarei

Fariba Zarei (Master of Science in Health Education) is currently employed as a health educator in hospital.

Hamed Rezakhani Moghaddam

Hamed Rezakhani Moghaddam (Ph.D.) is Assistant Professor of Health Promotion at Khalkhal University of Medical sciences. His research interests include health volunteers' activities, safety culture, breast cancer screening behaviors, and self-care.

Narjes Maasoumi

Narjes Maasoumi Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree obtained from the University of Southampton. She is currently working as a junior doctor and has a special interest in nutrition and public health.

Hossein Matlabi

Dr. Hossein Matlabi completed his Ph.D. in 2010 (Sheffield Institute for Studies on Ageing) and is currently employed as Associate Professor of Geriatric Health; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. His research and publication work pertains to aspects of QoL, elder abuse, the features of age-friendly communities, and the social aspects of growing old.