Perceptions of Childhood Obesity in Parents of Preschool-Aged Children

摘要

This study examined parents’ perceptions of obesity and its prevention in young children. A predominantly Caucasian population of parents (N = 71) of preschool-aged children completed a mixed-methods questionnaire assessing perceptions of childhood obesity. Analysis of variance revealed that men had lower mean scores on the awareness domain (M = 33.1, SD = 3.1) than women (M = 36.6, SD = 2.2; t = 4.6, P F(4, 66) = 4.3, P F(2, 68) = 8.81, P M = 35, SD = 2.9) having lower mean scores than those working part-time (M = 37.4, SD = 1.6) or staying at home (M = 37.3, SD = 1.6). Younger parents also reported better access to resources (M = 16.3, SD = 3.1 vs M = 17.8, SD = 2.6, respectively; t = 2.1, P.