Identifying obesity related factors among preschool children: Viewpoints of mothers to design self-regulation program

Abstract

Introduction: Regarding the prevalence of obesity and its wide range of associated factors, it seems to be a necessary issue to identify these associated factors in order to design efficient programs to control obesity and prevent from the relevant diseases. .The present study thus; aims to identify the obesity-associated factors among preschool children, from the viewpoints of mothers, and tries to develop a self-regulation program for preventing obesity among these children. Method: multiple approaches were carried out in six steps which as follows: in the first stage, the heights and weights of preschool children were measured. Their Body Mass Index (BMI) were calculated and categorized according to the World Health Organization (WHO) charts. Individual interviews with the mothers of those who were at risk of obesity were held to identify the causes of obesity according to their attitudes. Then, the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) was used to prioritize extracted viewpoints. Finally, self-regulation program to prevent obesity in children was developed. Delphi method was used for validating program. The program was modified and completed based on the expert comments and suggestions. Findings: Step 1: From 187 children, 67.7 % were boys and 43.3 % were girls. The children’s average BMI was 15.96. Step 2: The factors associated with obesity were categorized into four classes according to the interviews, including low physical activity, low perceived sensitivity, children’s inappropriate habits, and genetic factors. Step 3: the main factors associated with obesity in children were computer games, eating fast food and snacks, low physical activity due to being an only child and absence of any playmates, pretexting of cold weather to not play or walk outdoors, and mothers’ beliefs and indolence. Step 4: The initial program for the prevention of obesity in children was designed. Step 5: The Delphi questionnaire was then sent to the panel of experts in two steps. Step 6: The self-regulation program was reviewed and modified based on the expert comments in the Delphi study and it was finalized in the form of an eight-week schedule, being conductedin the form of four two-week group sessions with a mentor. Conclusion: The study presented a mother self-regulation program to prevent from obesity among children by considering mothers and experts’ viewpoints hoping to make further contribution to the subject matter. Mothers are aware of most factors associated with obesity in children, but it is necessary to increase their perceived sensitivity which encourages them to have more proper actions.