Dario Gregori1, Alexander Hochdorn2, Danila Azzolina1, Paola Berchialla3, Giulia Lorenzoni1. 1. Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padova, Italy. 2. Department of Social, Work and Organisational Psychology, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil. 3. Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess maternal misperception rates (perception as normal or underweight of a child with overweight or obesity) and their role in affecting the chance of implementing actions to change children's weight. METHODS: Obesogeneicity of Gadgets Marketed with Snacks (OBEY-AD) is an international study investigating factors promoting childhood overweight and obesity in 10 countries, in which 2,720 child-mother dyads have been enrolled. Mothers' perception of their children's weight was assessed using a projective test. Children's weight status was measured according to the anthropometric standards established by the World Health Organization. RESULTS: Mothers classified 89% of children with overweight and 52% of children with obesity as normal weight. The odds ratio of mothers' misperception was significantly higher for higher parental BMI, higher children's International Brand Awareness Inventory score, and high family socioeconomic status. Children with overweight and/or obesity who were perceived as normal weight by their mothers were less likely to be referred to specific health care services. CONCLUSIONS: Most children with overweight and/or obesity were perceived as normal weight by their mothers. Such lack of concern regarding a severe disease might interfere with the effectiveness of prevention programs. Considering the contextual factors that frame the etiological causes of a disease may help in finding effective and enduring solutions to target childhood obesity.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess maternal misperception rates (perception as normal or underweight of a child with overweight or obesity) and their role in affecting the chance of implementing actions to change children's weight. METHODS: Obesogeneicity of Gadgets Marketed with Snacks (OBEY-AD) is an international study investigating factors promoting childhood overweight and obesity in 10 countries, in which 2,720 child-mother dyads have been enrolled. Mothers' perception of their children's weight was assessed using a projective test. Children's weight status was measured according to the anthropometric standards established by the World Health Organization. RESULTS: Mothers classified 89% of children with overweight and 52% of children with obesity as normal weight. The odds ratio of mothers' misperception was significantly higher for higher parental BMI, higher children's International Brand Awareness Inventory score, and high family socioeconomic status. Children with overweight and/or obesity who were perceived as normal weight by their mothers were less likely to be referred to specific health care services. CONCLUSIONS: Most children with overweight and/or obesity were perceived as normal weight by their mothers. Such lack of concern regarding a severe disease might interfere with the effectiveness of prevention programs. Considering the contextual factors that frame the etiological causes of a disease may help in finding effective and enduring solutions to target childhood obesity.
Authors: Giulia Lorenzoni; Alexander Hochdorn; Giulia Beltrame Vriz; Andrea Francavilla; Romina Valentini; Solidea Baldas; Giselle Cuestas; Hugo Rodriguez; Achal Gulati; A B Sebastian van As; Dario Gregori Journal: Front Public Health Date: 2022-05-19