Factors Affecting Parents' Recognition of Their Child's Overweight Status
Author Information
Author(s): Marja L Vanhala, Sirkka M Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi, Kaisu M Kaikkonen, Jaana H Laitinen, Raija I Korpelainen
Primary Institution: Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Deaconess Institute of Oulu
Hypothesis
What factors influence a parent's ability to recognize their child's overweight status?
Conclusion
Parents often fail to recognize their overweight children's status, especially if the children are physically active and have healthy eating habits.
Supporting Evidence
- 57% of parents of overweight children considered their child to be normal weight.
- Child's BMI was positively associated with parental recognition of overweight.
- Overweight boys were less likely to be recognized than overweight girls.
- Healthy diet and high physical activity were inversely related to parental recognition of overweight.
Takeaway
Many parents don't realize their child is overweight, especially if the child eats healthy and is active.
Methodology
The study involved 125 overweight children and their parents, using questionnaires and health measurements to assess recognition of overweight status.
Potential Biases
The majority of questionnaires were filled out by mothers, which may introduce bias in the perception of weight status.
Limitations
The study relied on self-reported data from parents and did not objectively measure physical activity levels.
Participant Demographics
Parents of 125 overweight children, predominantly mothers completing the questionnaires.
Statistical Information
P-Value
< .001
Confidence Interval
1.8 to 7.0
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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