Korean J Child Health Nurs.  2004 Jul;10(3):300-310.

Comparison of Normal Weight vs Obese Children in Terms of Family Factors, Eating Habits and Sociocognitive Factors

• Kim HA

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.

MeSH Terms

Child*
Eating*
Food Habits
Gangwon-do
Humans
Internal-External Control
Metabolic Diseases
Obesity
Parents
Pediatric Obesity
Child Health
Surveys and Questionnaires