Parental perceptions and self-efficacy in managing childhood obesity: a cross-sectional study from Türkiye

Childhood obesity is a multifactorial public health issue that negatively impacts physical, psychosocial, and cognitive development. Parental perceptions and self-efficacy play a critical role in shaping children's lifestyle behaviors and weight management outcomes. This study aimed to examine the relationship between parents' perceptions of their children's weight-related behaviors, their confidence in managing these behaviors, and the children's clinical parameters.

This cross-sectional study was conducted between June and August 2023 in one university and one private hospital in Türkiye. A total of 114 parents (one per child, either the mother or the father) of children diagnosed with obesity (BMI ≥ 95th percentile) who were actively involved in their child's weight management process were included. Data were collected using structured face-to-face questionnaires and retrospective clinical record review. The Lifestyle Behavior Checklist (LBC) was employed to assess parental perceptions (Problem Scale) and self-efficacy (Confidence Scale). Correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed to explore associations between scale scores and sociodemographic and clinical variables.

A strong negative correlation was observed between Problem and Confidence Scale scores (r = - 0.695; p < 0.001). Higher BMI SD scores were significantly associated with increased parental concern (r = 0.274; p = 0.039). Compared to parents of boys, parents of girls perceived weight-related behaviors as more problematic (p = 0.032) and reported lower confidence in managing them (p = 0.039). Regression analyses identified being married and lower TSH levels as significant predictors of higher Problem Scale scores, while female gender and higher LDL levels were associated with lower Confidence Scale scores.

Parental perceptions and self-efficacy are influenced by child-specific clinical indicators and gender-related expectations. However, these clinical associations explained only a modest proportion of the variance, suggesting that unmeasured psychosocial and contextual factors may also play a substantial role. The findings highlight the need for family-centered educational interventions aimed at improving parental self-efficacy and health literacy to promote sustainable healthy lifestyle behaviors. This study provides valuable insights that may inform future large-scale and longitudinal research on the prevention of childhood obesity.