Do mothers have the correct perception of their obese/overweight children? A cross sectional study in a tertiary care hospital, Sri Lanka

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Overweight and obesity in children is currently an epidemic across the globe. However, the perception of the problem is poor among care takers of children. Though many studies have been conducted on obesity, the literature on maternal perception and their determinants of their obese children is sparse. Objectives: 1. To study the accuracy of the maternal perception of their children who are overweight and obese. 2. To study the maternal demographic and social factors associated with the accuracy of the perception METHODS: Three hundred and ten (310) obese/overweight children admitted to Colombo North Teaching Hospital were recruited for the study. BMI was documented in all subjects. Perception of their child’s weight status were assessed among their mothers using a pre-tested, interviewer administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPPS 20. RESULTS: Of 310, 63% (n=195) were obese and 37% (n=l 15) were overweight. One fourth (25%) of the mothers underestimated their children’s weight. Girls (32.3%) were underestimated more than boys (20.0%), (P <0.0001). Mothers who were more than 40 years underestimated the weight less compared to younger mothers p=0.005). Accuracy of maternal perception demonstrated an inverse relationship with the family income (P= 0.002/odd 0.063). Employed mothers underestimated the weight of their children (36.1 %) more than those who were unemployed (21.1%), (p < 0.0001/odd 7.420). CONCLUSION: The maternal perception of their children being overweight or obese was poor. Moreover, girls were more underestimated and maternal age, employment status and family income were main determinants of their perception