Parental Care Challenges in Childhood Obesity Management: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges in the 21st century. Since children's healthy habits are developed in the family, parents involvement in pediatric weight care strategies is among the most effective measures which can be implemented for the management of childhood obesity. In this regard, parents face many challenges that awareness of which is very important for managing and caring of childhood obesity.Aim: The present study aimed to explore the challenges experienced by parents in the care and management of childhood obesity. It merely focused on reporting the findings from interviews with participating parents regarding these experiences.Method: This qualitative study was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 18 parents of obese children aged 6-12 years. A purposive sampling approach was used. The interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed through conventional content analysis based on Graneheim and Lundman method.Results: Five categories emerged from the obtained data: Parental conflict, parents' indecisiveness and compassion, interference of others, child's stubbornness, and child's secretiveness.Implications for Practice: Given that the nurses are often charged with the responsibility of family counseling and helping them facing problems; therefore, an awareness of the difficulties presented to families can be of great help in planning and effective interventions.

Keywords

• challenges
• obesity management
• parents
• pediatric obesity
• qualitative research