Assessment of Mothers Awareness Regarding Early Childhood Obesity in Sohag Governorate

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Pediatric Nursing Faculty of Nursing Sohag University Egypt

2 Professor of Pediatric Nursing Faculty of Nursing Sohag University Egypt

3 Assistant Professor of Pediatric Nursing Faculty of Nursing Sohag University Egypt

Abstract

Background: One of the most significant global public health issues of the twenty-first century is childhood obesity, which affects all nations worldwide. The key to preventing obesity is mothers' awareness of their children's overweight and obesity. Aim of the study: This study aimed to assess the mothers' awareness regarding early childhood obesity. Design: A descriptive design was used in carrying out this study. Setting & Sampling: A multi-stage sample of 200 preschool children and their mothers were attending the governmental nurseries schools at Sohag Governorate. Tool: Interviewing questionnaire sheet composed of 3 parts; part I: Personal characteristics of children, part II: Personal characteristics of the studied mothers, part III: Mothers’ awareness consists of two parts; a) Mothers' knowledge regarding nutritional habits, b) Mothers’ knowledge regarding child's obesity. Results: The results of the current study reveals that, two-fifth (40.4%) of the studied mothers had fair knowledge levels and one-third (32%) of them had good level of knowledge, while more than one-quadrant (27.5%) of them had poor level of knowledge regarding obesity. Conclusion: A strong statistically significant relation was found between the mothers' knowledge and their residence, occupation, and levels of education with   (P=0.000). There was no statistically significant relation between the total studied mothers' knowledge and their age. Recommendation: Conducting health educational programs at schools to raise the awareness of the children and mothers about obesity and its prevention

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