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Is Childhood Overweight/Obesity Perceived as a Health Problem by Mothers of Preschool Aged Children in Bangladesh? A Community Level Cross-Sectional Study

Author

Listed:
  • Mohammad Sorowar Hossain

    (Biomedical Research Foundation, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh
    Department of Environmental Management, Independent University, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh)

  • Mahbubul H. Siddiqee

    (Biomedical Research Foundation, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh
    Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh)

  • Shameema Ferdous

    (Biomedical Research Foundation, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh)

  • Marzia Faruki

    (Biomedical Research Foundation, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh)

  • Rifat Jahan

    (Biomedical Research Foundation, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh)

  • Shah Md. Shahik

    (Biomedical Research Foundation, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh)

  • Enayetur Raheem

    (Biomedical Research Foundation, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh
    Department of Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA)

  • Anthony D. Okely

    (Early Start, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia)

Abstract

Childhood obesity is rapidly rising in many developing countries such as Bangladesh; however, the factors responsible for this increase are not well understood. Being the primary caregivers of children, particularly in developing countries, maternal perceptions and knowledge could be important factors influencing the weight status of children. This study aimed to assess maternal perceptions of childhood obesity and associated socio-demographic factors in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study using stratified random sampling was conducted among 585 mothers whose children aged 4 to 7 years attended preschools in a district town. Body Mass Index of the children was calculated and weight status categorized according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) criteria. Maternal perceptions were assessed using a self- or interviewer-administered questionnaire. Multinomial logistic regression was used to obtain crude and adjusted odds ratios. Fourteen percent of children were overweight or obese and approximately 30% were underweight. Only 3.1% of children were perceived as overweight/obese by their mothers. Over one-third (35%) of mothers perceived that childhood overweight/obesity could be a health problem and over two-thirds (68.6%) were not aware of any health consequences of childhood obesity. Maternal perceptions were significantly associated with maternal education, family income, and weight status of the child but were not associated with the sex of the child. We have identified knowledge gaps regarding maternal perception of childhood obesity and its contributing factors in a developing country. These findings can be used to develop and test parent-focused educational interventions for preventing childhood obesity in Bangladesh.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohammad Sorowar Hossain & Mahbubul H. Siddiqee & Shameema Ferdous & Marzia Faruki & Rifat Jahan & Shah Md. Shahik & Enayetur Raheem & Anthony D. Okely, 2019. "Is Childhood Overweight/Obesity Perceived as a Health Problem by Mothers of Preschool Aged Children in Bangladesh? A Community Level Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-12, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:2:p:202-:d:197154
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nkosinathi V.N. Mbuya & Shams El Arifeen & Purnima Menon & Masum Billah & :Kuntal K. Saha, 2015. "Bangladesh National Nutrition Services: Assessment of Implementation Status," Working Papers id:7580, eSocialSciences.
    2. Headey, Derek & Hoddinott, John & Ali, Disha & Tesfaye, Roman & Dereje, Mekdim, 2015. "The Other Asian Enigma: Explaining the Rapid Reduction of Undernutrition in Bangladesh," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 749-761.
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    2. Ong, Ardvin Kester S. & Kurata, Yoshiki B. & Castro, Sophia Alessandra D.G. & De Leon, Jeanne Paulene B. & Dela Rosa, Hazel V. & Tomines, Alex Patricia J., 2022. "Factors influencing the acceptance of telemedicine in the Philippines," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 70(C).

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