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. 2024 Nov 6:12:1475455.
doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1475455. eCollection 2024.

Understanding childhood obesity in Pakistan: exploring the knowledge, attitudes, practices of mothers, and influential factors. A cross-sectional study

Muhammad Hudaib  1 , Laraib Hussain  1 , Laiba Nazim  1 , Sumaira Mohi Uddin  2 , Muhammad Usama Jamil  3 , Shireen Qassim Bham  4 , Hurais Malik  1 , Abdul Rehman  1 , Usaid Malik  5 , Manahil  6 , Ahmad Umais Ahad  7 , Sanila Mughal  8 , Mohammed Mahmmoud Fadelallah Eljack  1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8
Affiliations

Understanding childhood obesity in Pakistan: exploring the knowledge, attitudes, practices of mothers, and influential factors. A cross-sectional study

Muhammad Hudaib et al. Front Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: Childhood obesity is a significant public health issue with far-reaching implications. The World Health Organization reported that in 2020, around 38 million children under five were overweight or obese globally, and in 2016, 340 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 were affected. In Pakistan, the situation is alarming; 66.9% of school-going children in Punjab were overweight, and 5.8% were obese in 2022. This study explores mothers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding childhood obesity in Pakistan and identifies factors contributing to this epidemic. Maternal perspectives are crucial as they significantly influence children's dietary habits, physical activity, and attitudes toward food and body image.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2023 to January 2024 at four medical centers: Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College Hospitals Karachi, Baqai Medical University Karachi, and Nishtar Medical University Multan. The study included 191 mothers with children aged 5 to 15 years. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceptions of childhood obesity. IBM-SPSS version 26.0 was used for data analysis, employing statistical tests like Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, Spearman, or Kendall Tau correlation to examine associations.

Results: Among the 191 mothers, 48.7% had education beyond intermediate, and 86.9% were housewives. The children's BMI distribution showed that 27.7% were obese and 21.5% overweight. Mothers had moderate knowledge (60.5%) about childhood obesity; 75.4% recognized its long-term health risks, and 62.8% associated it with diabetes. Attitudes were generally positive, with a 78.5% average score. Most mothers (73.8%) believed obesity could be controlled and had healthy practices (70.1% average score). However, 96.9% reported witnessing stigmatization of obese children, and 79.6% felt pressured by relatives about their child's weight.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that while Pakistani mothers have moderate knowledge and positive attitudes toward childhood obesity, their practices are influenced by educational and socioeconomic factors. Addressing these disparities, enhancing public health initiatives, and mitigating stigmatization could improve childhood obesity management in Pakistan.

Keywords: Pakistan; attitudes; childhood obesity; health education; knowledge; mothers; practices; public health.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
BMI of children.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Do you think being overweight during childhood leads to problems later in life?
Figure 3
Figure 3
Where do you get your information about childhood obesity?
Figure 4
Figure 4
Descriptive on attitude related to childhood obesity?
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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