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Maternal-child nutrition practices and pediatric overweight/obesity in the United States and Chile: a comparative

Jean Burley Moore1, Kathleen F Gaffney, Lisa R Pawloski

  • 1School of Nursing 3C4, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA. jmoore@gmu.edu

Journal of Pediatric Nursing
|September 28, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity is a global epidemic. US mothers showed fewer healthy child nutrition practices than Chilean mothers, correlating with higher childhood overweight/obesity rates in the US.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Nutrition Science

Background:

  • Childhood overweight and obesity present a significant global health challenge, affecting both developed and transitioning economies.
  • Understanding cultural and national differences in nutrition practices is crucial for addressing this epidemic.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare maternal and school-age child nutrition practices and body mass index (BMI) between the United States and Chile.
  • To identify associations between maternal and child nutrition behaviors and childhood overweight/obesity.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving children and their mothers in the United States and Chile.
  • Data collection included assessments of nutrition practices and body mass index (BMI).

Main Results:

  • Child nutrition practices were found to be comparable between the two countries.
  • Mothers in the US sample exhibited fewer healthy nutrition practices for their children compared to the Chilean sample.
  • A higher prevalence of overweight and obesity was observed in the US child population.
  • Significant correlations were identified between maternal and child nutrition practices.

Conclusions:

  • Despite comparable child nutrition practices, US mothers engaged in fewer healthy behaviors for their children.
  • Maternal nutrition practices significantly influence child nutrition and weight status.
  • Targeted interventions focusing on maternal nutrition education in the US may be beneficial for combating childhood obesity.

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