Perceptions of overweight by primary carers (mothers/grandmothers) of under five and elementary school-aged children in Bandung, Indonesia: a qualitative study

International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity

Research

Cut Novianti Rachmi¹  Louise Alison Baur²  Cynthia Louise Hunter³  Mu Li⁴ 

[1] Discipline of Child & Adolescent Health, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, University of Sydney Clinical School, Locked Bag 4001, 2145, Westmead, NSW, Australia;Discipline of Child & Adolescent Health, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, University of Sydney Clinical School, Locked Bag 4001, 2145, Westmead, NSW, Australia;Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Edward Ford Building (A27), Fisher Rd, 2006, Sydney, NSW, Australia;School of Social and Political Sciences, The University of Sydney, RC Mills Building (A26), 2006, Sydney, NSW, Australia;Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Edward Ford Building (A27), Fisher Rd, 2006, Sydney, NSW, Australia;Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Edward Ford Building (A27), Fisher Rd, 2006, Sydney, NSW, Australia;

关键词: Overweight;    Children;    Perceptions;    Mothers;    Indonesia;    Qualitative;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12966-017-0556-1

 received in 2017-04-26, accepted in 2017-07-19,  发布年份 2017

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThe prevalence of childhood overweight has increased in the past two decades in Indonesia. Even though prevalence is escalating, there is a lack of qualitative evidence to assist in the design and implementation of strategies to tackle this issue. This study aimed to explore the view of primary carers (mothers and grandmothers) from different socio-economic-status groups, on childhood overweight in the Greater Bandung Area, Indonesia.MethodsWe conducted 12 focus groups discussions with a total of 94 carers of under-five and 7–12 years children, from June to October 2016. We used the grounded theory approach in our analysis.ResultsThree main categories emerged: the concept of overweight, factors contributing to overweight, and awareness and feelings towards overweight children. Most carers from all SES groups defined overweight subjectively, while a few from the low SES group defined it objectively. Most carers from low and high SES groups agreed with the concept “chubbier is healthier”. All carers had some knowledge of the main factors that contribute to childhood overweight: dietary factors, activity levels and sedentary behavior, and hereditary factors. Carers from all SES groups described similar characteristics of overweight; carers from low and intermediate SES groups had mixed feelings while all high SES carers have negative feelings about overweight children, mostly related to stigma. However, carers who identified their own children as being overweight expressed sensitivity about this weight status, especially their physical abilities. Almost all carers knew their children’s current weight while less than two thirds knew their children’s height.ConclusionsThere are several policy implications. Firstly, health-related knowledge of the primary carers is of great importance and needs augmenting. To increase that knowledge, there is a role for front-line health practitioners (doctors/midwives/nurses) to be more active in educating the community. Secondly, simpler and more effective ways to disseminate healthy lifestyle messages to carers is required. Thirdly, by placing more emphasis on carers monitoring their children’s growth may encourage carers to take steps to keep their children in the healthy weight and height ranges. Fourthly, the Department of Education may need to improve the quality and quantity of physical activity in schools.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s). 2017