Document Type
Master's Culminating Experience
Publication Date
2015
Abstract
Objective: There were three objectives of this study: to determine the accuracy of parental perception of their child’s weight status; to compare parent and child perception of the child’s weight status; and, to ascertain if comments from the child’s health professional about the child’s weight status was related to the accuracy of the parent’s perception.
Methods: Using NHANES 2011-2012 data, chi square analysis (p
Results: Overall, 24.7% of parents and 29.6% of children underestimated the child’s weight status. For overweight/obese children, 60.1% of parents and 60.4% of children underestimated the child’s weight status. Almost 90% of parents did not recall a conversation with a health care provider about their child’s weight status. The study hypothesis was confirmed that there was significant parental underestimation of child’s weight status regardless of child age, gender, race, or household income.
Conclusions: Parents and children need accurate perception of weight status in order to initiate weight management strategies. Improved communication between health professionals and parents of overweight/obese children could assist parents attain accurate perception of their child’s weight.
Repository Citation
Walusimbi, F. (2015). Accurate Parental Perception as a Milestone in Managing Childhood Obesity. Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio.
