Parents' Knowledge and Attitude of Childhood Obesity in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: The epidemiology of childhood obesity is increasing at an alarming rate. This study aims to assess and evaluate the knowledge and attitude of parents on childhood obesity to make suggestions for public health interventions to address the growing child obesity rate in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A cross-sectional quantitative study conducted via online questionnaire. The questionnaire was made available between 12th May 2020 and 19th June 2020. The questionnaires were developed using Lime Survey. Data were analysed with SPSS 25.0 version statistical software. Results: 384 parents were participated in completing the questionnaire, 75 parents were excluded. 98 (32%) participants said they have at least one obese child. The obese children were within the age ranges of those attending school with 33% aged 6-10 and 26% aged 11-14. A reported 44.5% of parents did not know how to calculate the Body Max Index (BMI). The total positive attitudinal statements mean was 2.04 which interpreted as "Agree", whereas the total negative attitudinal statements mean was 3.17 which interpreted as "Neutral". 34% of participants thought physical activities as a strategy to prevent child obesity. Conclusion: The parents' knowledge needs to be improved about measuring obesity, calculating BMI and need to increase knowledge about cooperating with child schools to control obesity. Parents have a good attitude about the positive attitudinal statements in preventing childhood obesity. However, the parents' negative attitudinal statements need to be improved especially those related to cultural norms and eating habits.