Caregivers’ Perception of Obesity Among Minority Children: A Systematic Review Restricted; Files Only
Harris-Sterling, Marsha (Summer 2023)
Abstract
Background: Childhood obesity is a significant public health issue that disproportionately affects minority children in the United States. There are several factors that contribute to childhood obesity, including genetics, environment, as well as behavior. However, children's weight status may be impacted by caregivers' eating and exercise habits depending on how they perceive childhood obesity.
Objective: The objective of this systematic review is to analyze the caregivers’ perspectives regarding the physical appearance of minority children and to determine the barriers that prevent caregivers from initiating obesity-preventative measures.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted to identify and assess the caregivers’ perception of childhood obesity among minority children. The review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, which resulted in 10 articles being abstracted and exported to an Excel spreadsheet and reviewed for relevancy based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Articles concerning, caregiver perceptions, maternal perceptions, the effects on childhood obesity, overweight child, body mass index (BMI), ethnicity, gender, and perception of weight, within the minority community, were considered.
Results: Ten studies assessed the caregivers’ perceptions of obesity which were evenly distributed between rural and city locations. Seven of the ten studies highlighted a significant lack of knowledge pertaining to accurately classifying the child’s weight status. Two studies highlighted the challenge that minority caregivers encounter in providing a healthy lifestyle, given their socio-economic status. While one other study highlighted the cultural principles leading to caregivers misjudging their child's weight by correlating thick silhouettes with prosperity and wealth.
Conclusion: Caregivers' beliefs about children’s physical appearance and what constitutes a healthy silhouette are often based on personal experiences and are deeply rooted in cultural beliefs rather than scientific evidence. This can lead to behaviors that promote obesity and make it difficult for children to eat healthy foods. Reducing childhood obesity in minority communities requires targeted approaches to enhance caregivers’ knowledge base about healthier eating and reduce barriers to accessing healthy foods.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Introduction and Rationale 1
Problem Statement 2
Purpose Statement 3
Significance of the Study 3
Hypothesis 4
Definition of Terms 4
Chapter 2: Literature Review 6
Introduction 6
Risk Factors 6
Summary of Current Problem and Study Relevance 7
Chapter 3: Methodology 8
Introduction 8
Literature Search 8
Data Extraction and Quality Assurance 10
Analysis Plan 11
Chapter 4: Results 12
Introduction 12
Descriptive Findings from the Systematic Review 12
Chapter 5: Discussion 18
Summary of Study 18
Discussion of Key Results 18
Limitations 22
Recommendations 22
Conclusion 23
References 24
Appendix A. Table 1: Data Extraction Process- Excel Database 28
Appendix B. Growth Chart for Boys 34
Appendix C. Growth Chart for Girls 35
Appendix D. Standard Body Mass Index Calculator 36
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File download under embargo until 15 August 2025 | 2023-07-23 21:04:49 -0400 | File download under embargo until 15 August 2025 |
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