Department of Nursing, Donghae University, Korea. kha@mail.donghae.ac.kr
Abstract
PURPOSE: To compare normal weight children with obese children in terms of family factors, eating habits, and sociocognitive factors.
METHOD: This study compared 217 obese children with 231 normal standard weight children of 4th-6th graders from 7 elementary schools in Kangwon province. The study also surveyed 817 their parents using questionnaires in which familial factors, eating habits, and sociocognitive factors such as dietary self-efficacy, locus of control and self-esteem were included.
RESULTS: Obese children had more obese family members, more family members with chronic metabolic disease, and lower breast-feeding rate than normal weight group. Dietary self-efficacy was positively correlated with eating habits and locus of control while no correlation was found with obesity index.. Self-esteem was negatively correlate with obesity index. Both the parents and the childrens eating habits showed significant positive correlation to the obesity index.
CONCLUSION: These results implied familial factors, eating habits, and sociocognitive factors influenced childhood obesity. Thus, further research targeting to positive attitude toward familial dietary practices combined with significant sociocognitive factors, may lead to prevention and effective management of childhood obesity.
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