Factors that influence maternal figures' perceptions of their child's weight

Childhood obesity remains a public health priority in the United States with the highest prevalence among “low-income and minority children,” particularly among African American and Hispanic children. Preschool children who are overweight are at increased risk of becoming obese teenagers and adults and are more likely to develop health problems (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, asthma, and sleep apnea). The purpose of this study was to: 1) determine the current prevalence of overweight and obesity among children enrolled in Merced County Head Start; 2) assess maternal perceptions of their child's weight, and 3) examine the factors that influence maternal perception /misperception of their children's weight. Procedures: A total of 702 maternal participants completed a questionnaire to assess their perceptions of their child's weight. From these participants, four focus groups were conducted to examine the factors that influence maternal perceptions of their child's weight. Results: Anthropometrics revealed that 37.5% of children were overweight or obese. Approximately 43% of maternal figures misperceived their child's weight, with no significant differences between maternal figures' perceptions of child's weight and child's gender (χ2 = .099, df = 3, p = .992), age (χ2 = 11.071, df = 6, p = .086), and ethnicity (χ2 = 14.963, df = 21, p = .825). Recurrent focus group themes revealed maternal figures had difficulty defining "overweight," believed that genetics/heredity were major factors, and culture and family were a significant influence. Most did not agree with growth charts and found the information confusing. Further findings and recommendations will be discussed.