CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Obesity is a significant public health crisis affecting both children and adults (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010). When an individual's weight exceeds the ideal weight considered healthy for their specific height, they are classified as either overweight or obese. The rise of obesity in children is particularly concerning due to its impact on their health and overall well-being.
Body mass index (BMI), a measurement that relates weight to height, serves not only as a means to determine obesity but also as a useful indicator for cardiovascular risk (Ribiero et al., 2010). In children aged 2 to 19, BMI is plotted on the CDC growth chart to assess the corresponding percentile based on age and sex. Childhood obesity is defined as having a BMI at or above the 95th percentile compared to other children of the same age and sex (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009). The classification of obesity in children takes into account the child's body composition, which varies depending on their age and sex.
Childhood obesity continues to pose a significant global public health challenge. Research by Di Cesare et al., 2009 reveals a concerning trend, with the percentage of children and adolescents meeting the criteria for obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2) increasing from approximately 4% to 15% between 1975 and 2016. This is particularly alarming because childhood obesity often persists into adulthood (Reilly and Kelly, 2011). Furthermore, both child and adult obesity have been associated with various adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, depression, and asthma (Herle et al., 2022).
Individuals with larger body sizes often face stigmatization and discrimination, which can further amplify the negative health consequences they experience (Spahlholz et al., 2016). In particular, childhood overweight and obesity have consistently been linked to higher rates of bullying victimization, with potential long-term health implications (Koyanagi et al., 2020). Additionally, the prevalence of obesity is higher among children belonging to economically disadvantaged and marginalized populations (El-Sayed et al., 2012).
There is a widely accepted consensus that the increase in obesity is a consequence of an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. Positive energy balance, which arises from lifestyle choices and dietary preferences, is closely linked to this imbalance. However, there is a growing body of evidence that highlights the significance of an individual's genetic background in determining their risk of obesity. Through research, we have made substantial strides in understanding the factors associated with obesity.
According to the ecological model proposed by Davison and Birch (2001), there are various risk factors for childhood obesity, including dietary intake, physical activity, and sedentary behavior. The impact of these risk factors is influenced by other factors such as age, gender, family characteristics, parenting style, and the lifestyles of parents. Moreover, environmental factors like school policies, demographics, and the work-related demands placed on parents also exert influence on eating habits and activity levels.
The feeding patterns of parents or caregivers play a critical role in shaping children's eating habits and managing their weight. Parental feeding pattern refers to the specific way in which parents provide food to their children.
Parental role modeling, encompassing behaviors, attitudes, and preferences toward food, has emerged as a potential avenue for influencing children's eating behaviors and nutritional status (Bronfenbrenner and Morris, 2007). This form of modeling involves an observational learning process, relying on parents to actively exhibit and encourage healthy behaviors in their children. Parents employ feeding strategies that involve intentionally demonstrating preferred eating habits in front of their children, with the aim of fostering healthy eating behaviors.
Studies by Brown and Ogden in 2004 have demonstrated that parental role modeling significantly impacts children's adoption of healthy eating behaviors, as perceived by both the children themselves and through parental self-reporting. Additionally, parents' self-reported eating behaviors have been shown to predict children's risk of overnutrition (Ihmels et al., 2009). Parental child feeding behavior is an integral part of their overall behavioral model, shaped through a socialization process that begins early in their own childhood and serves as the foundation for their approach to feeding their own children (Liao and Deng, 2021).
Understanding the influence of parental feeding patterns on childhood obesity is essential for designing effective interventions and strategies to promote healthy eating habits and prevent obesity among children. Thus this study seeks to examine the the influence of parental feeding patterns on childhood obesity in Uyo Metropolis.
1.2 Statement of the problem
Childhood obesity is a significant and pressing public health challenge in the 21st century. This problem has a global reach and is particularly impacting low and middle-income countries, especially in urban areas. The prevalence of childhood obesity has witnessed a worrisome increase (Sahoo et al., 2015). Both developed and underdeveloped countries are experiencing a rise in the prevalence of childhood obesity (Reilly, 2007).
The implications of childhood obesity extend beyond physical health and encompass the social, emotional, and self-esteem aspects of children's well-being. It is also associated with negative effects on academic performance and a diminished quality of life for affected children (Sahoo et al., 2015). This detrimental health consequences of childhood obesity highlight the need to explore the factors contributing to this problem.
An important area for investigation is the correlation between parental feeding patterns and childhood obesity, specifically within the context of Uyo Metropolis. Gaining insight into how parental feeding practices influence children's eating behaviors and weight status will provide valuable knowledge for designing targeted interventions and policies to address this issue effectively.
Uyo Metropolis is a bustling urban area characterized by its diverse population and the intersection of various cultural traditions. Within this dynamic setting, a growing number of families with children are grappling with the challenges associated with unhealthy eating habits and the subsequent risk of obesity. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the impact of parental feeding practices within the unique context of Uyo Metropolis. By doing so, we can better understand the specific dynamics that influence children's eating behaviors and weight status in this locale.
By studying the relationship between parental feeding patterns and childhood obesity in Uyo Metropolis, valuable insights can be gained into the local factors and cultural norms that shape parents' approaches to feeding their children. This knowledge will be crucial for designing targeted interventions and policies that are tailored to the specific needs and challenges faced by families in Uyo Metropolis.
Despite the existing body of literature on parental feeding patterns and childhood obesity, there is a notable research gap in the specific context of Uyo Metropolis. To the best knowledge of the researcher, there is a dearth of empirical studies that focus on the influence of parental feeding patterns on childhood obesity in Uyo Metropolis. This further highlights the need for this research to fill the existing gap and provide valuable insights into the dynamics and factors contributing to childhood obesity within the local context.
1.3 Aim of the Study
The aim of this study is to examine the influence of parental feeding patterns on childhood obesity in Uyo Metropolis.
1.4 Objectives of the Study
The specific objectives of this study are as follows:
- To assess the parental feeding patterns prevalent in Uyo Metropolis.
- To examine the association between parental feeding patterns and childhood obesity.
1.5 Research Questions
The study will address the following research questions:
- What are the prevailing parental feeding patterns in Uyo Metropolis?
- Is there a significant association between parental feeding patterns and childhood obesity?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
The study will test the following research hypothesis:
H0: There is no significant relationship between parental feeding patterns and childhood obesity in Uyo Metropolis.
Ha: There is a significant relationship between parental feeding patterns and childhood obesity in Uyo Metropolis.
1.7 Justification of the Study
This study is significant as it aims to contribute to the understanding of the influence of parental feeding patterns on childhood obesity in Uyo Metropolis. The findings will provide valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and parents themselves to develop effective strategies and interventions to prevent and manage childhood obesity.
1.8 Scope of the Study
This research will focus on the Uyo Metropolis in exploring the influence of parental feeding patterns on childhood obesity. The study will involve collecting data from parents or caregivers of children within the specified geographic area. The findings will be applicable to understanding the local dynamics of parental feeding practices and their impact on childhood obesity in Uyo Metropolis.
