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Maternal weight misperceptions and smoking are associated with overweight and obesity in low SES preschoolers

V Kaufman-Shriqui1, D Fraser, Y Novack

  • 1The S. Daniel Abraham International Center for Health and Nutrition, Department of Epidemiology and Health Evaluation Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel. veredks@bgu.ac.il

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|August 4, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Maternal underestimation of child weight and parental smoking are key risk factors for childhood obesity in low socioeconomic status (LSES) families. Interventions targeting maternal perception can help identify and manage obesity risks in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern, particularly in low socioeconomic status (LSES) populations.
  • Identifying modifiable risk factors is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify modifiable risk factors for overweight and obesity (OWOB) among children from LSES backgrounds.
  • To explore the association between maternal perception of child weight status and child OWOB.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving 238 children (4-7 years) and 224 mothers from LSES preschools.
  • Data collection included anthropometric measurements and maternal interviews on sociodemographic factors, health behaviors, and perceptions.
  • Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant risk factors for OWOB.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of overweight and obesity (OWOB) was 29.8% in children and 51.8% in mothers.
  • Over 82% of mothers underestimated their child's weight status, with significant misperceptions in both OWOB and normal weight children.
  • Maternal underestimation of child's weight status (OR=7.33) and parental smoking (OR=3.25) were significantly associated with child OWOB.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal perception of child's weight status and parental smoking are significant risk factors for childhood OWOB in LSES children.
  • These factors can aid in identifying children at risk for obesity.
  • Maternal perception of weight status presents a potential target for intervention programs.
Abstract

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