Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about nutrition and childhood overweight among WIC participants.

This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about nutrition, physical activity, and health risks related to childhood overweight among Women, Infants, and Children participants. Most (n = 165) were knowledgeable about causes/health risks of overweight (90%). The belief that "some people are born big or thin . . . " varied by education level (P < 0.05). Concerning activity, many (white non-Hispanic, 53%; African-American 69%) reported their children spending 2 to 3 hours per day watching television and playing video games, with 10% white non-Hispanic and 21% of African-American reporting 4 hours or more (P < 0.05). Beliefs related to the risk of overweight and activity level of the children differed among ethnic groups.