Childhood obesity in early years: parental perceptions in Dhaka city

Abstract

Children who are obese are at a higher risk of developing serious health problems and may suffer from psychological effects. Parents play a key role to control weight-related disease and health effects of children. The study is a descriptive qualitative study conducted on 6 parents (3 mothers and 3 fathers) who were selected by purposive sampling. The purpose of the study is to explore parent’s perception (knowledge, attitude and practice regarding food habit, life style, physical activities etc) about childhood obesity in yearly years through research questions. Data was collected through in-depth interviews through phone calls. The data was organized and managed through transcription and analyzed through content analysis- categorization, coding, and organized according to themes and sub-themes. The study found that educated mothers and fathers had an understanding of childhood obesity and they are aware of the key causes of childhood obesity, such as food habit, lack of physical exercise, lack of opportunities for play, TV/mobile phone addiction. The findings showed mothers and fathers were fairly mindful of the effects of obesity. The study found that, sedentary lifestyle due to parent’s work life imbalance and urbanization children’s more inclination to unhealthy food habits and don’t get opportunities to play. The study showed that parents have knowledge on how childhood obesity could be avoided but their practices does not fully reflect the knowledge they have in this regard. There is a need for behaviors modification program both in terms of food habits and doing physical exercises and also strong need for policy and initiative for lifestyle reform. Government should take necessary measures to establish play spaces for our possible future citizens and more study in this area is needed.