Saudi fathers’ perceptions of obesity, feeding practices, and promoting healthy eating in children: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background Family involvement is crucial in mitigating childhood obesity. Nonetheless, research on fathers’ perceptions regarding childhood weight issues remains limited, particularly within non-Western cultures. Objectives This study aimed to (1) examine fathers’ attitudes, perceptions, and practices related to child feeding and obesity risk; (2) assess their self-efficacy in promoting healthy eating; and (3) explore the relationship between these factors among fathers of school-age children in Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional design was used, with data collected from 179 Saudi fathers of school-age children (ages 6–12 years) via online survey. Instruments included the Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ) and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE). Data were analyzed using Spearman’s correlations and descriptive statistics. Results Self-efficacy was negatively correlated with feeding responsibility (rho =– 0.29, p < 0.01), pressure to eat (rho =– 0.18, p < 0.05), and monitoring (rho =– 0.25, p < 0.01), indicating that lower confidence was linked to greater parental control. Positive correlations were found with perceived parent overweight (rho = 0.34, p < 0.01) and perceived child overweight (rho = 0.23, p < 0.01). Conclusions Healthcare professionals should design father-centered interventions that promote healthy eating without instilling weight-related anxiety. Culturally tailored strategies targeting paternal self-efficacy could enhance childhood obesity prevention efforts in the region.

Keywords

• Childhood obesity
• Perception
• Self-efficacy
• Parents
• Father
• Feeding practices