Parents’ perceptions of obesity prevention during infancy: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Infancy appears to be a critical period for establishing a person's weight set point. It remains unclear which interventions during infancy may be most effective in preventing later obesity and which ones are most acceptable to parents. The aim of this study was to examine the attitudes of parents of children aged 2 years and under toward different obesity prevention messages and their preferences with regard to these messages. Methods: Using a qualitative research design, we conducted semistructured interviews followed by a focus group. Parents of children under 2 years of age were purposively recruited from 2 communities in British Columbia, Canada, and asked for their opinions about various health promotion messages relating to obesity prevention. A theoretical thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: Thirty-three parents participated in the study. Participants reported that many of the current recommendations (no screen time, no sugary beverages) are unrealistic, unclear and inconsistent, making them difficult to follow and causing parents to feel guilty; they had a more positive response to the feeding roles message. Parents noted the importance of starting education early and targeting the broader community. Interpretation: Several important and interesting themes were identified in this study, which increases our understanding of parents' attitudes toward and preferences for the messages presented. Obesity prevention information for today's busy parents needs to be realistic, supportive and timely.

Perceptions of physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines among end-users and stakeholders: a systematic review

“…The principles of the SB/ST guidelines were commended [ 35 , 45 ] however the majority of end-users reported that meeting the SB/ST guidelines was unrealistic [ 31 , 35 – 37 , 41 , 42 , 55 ] and only half (51%) of pediatricians thought they were very realistic [ 57 ]. Parents often relied on the benefits of SB/ST such as its use as a “babysitter” to occupy children while parents complete household chores, using the stroller to transport children to where they can be active, improving family communication, regulating behaviour, and using it for educational programming [ 32 , 35 – 37 , 41 , 42 ].…”

“…End-users liked the simplicity and clarity of the guidelines [ 37 , 42 , 52 , 55 ] although many thought that the PA guidelines were too general (i.e., one-size-fits-all) [ 32 , 34 , 42 ]. Both end-users and stakeholders reported that the guidelines should be more tailored to developmental stage, physical ability, [ 32 , 36 , 52 , 55 ] and socioeconomic status [ 42 , 55 ]. End-users preferred when guidelines were broken down into more achievable steps that could be built upon [ 32 , 34 – 36 , 42 , 52 , 55 ].…”

“…Both end-users and stakeholders reported that the guidelines should be more tailored to developmental stage, physical ability, [ 32 , 36 , 52 , 55 ] and socioeconomic status [ 42 , 55 ]. End-users preferred when guidelines were broken down into more achievable steps that could be built upon [ 32 , 34 – 36 , 42 , 52 , 55 ].…”

“…Both end-users and stakeholders reported that PA and SB/ST guidelines could result in guilt to parents [ 32 , 37 , 42 , 52 , 55 ]. Suggestions included providing examples and more details around quantifying PA and SB/ST behaviours [ 32 , 34 , 36 , 37 , 42 , 46 , 54 , 55 ].…”

“…Both end-users and stakeholders reported that PA and SB/ST guidelines could result in guilt to parents [ 32 , 37 , 42 , 52 , 55 ]. Suggestions included providing examples and more details around quantifying PA and SB/ST behaviours [ 32 , 34 , 36 , 37 , 42 , 46 , 54 , 55 ]. There was some confusion over “what counted” as ST [ 36 ] and parents wanted specific strategies to help them achieve the recommended ST and PA behaviours [ 37 , 38 , 46 , 54 , 55 ].…”