Knowledge, attitude and practice of Lebanese parents towards childhood overweight/obesity: the role of parent-physician communication

Abstract

Background: Childhood overweight and obesity is one of the most challenging public health problems facing both developed and developing countries. Several studies carried worldwide assessed predisposing risk factors for childhood obesity, however, few addressed the Middle East region and particularly Lebanon. We aimed in our study to assess factors associated with knowledge, attitude and practice of Lebanese parents regarding childhood overweight, particularly the parent-physician communication.

Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted between September and December 2019. The questionnaire used was the standardized questionnaire of "Parent Questionnaire Curriculum" from the "We Can program" (Ways to Enhance Children's Activity and Nutrition).

Results: A higher parent-physician communication score (Beta = 0.05) was significantly associated with higher knowledge, whereas having a higher intermediate vs low income (Beta = -0.65) was significantly associated with lower knowledge. A higher knowledge global score (Beta = 1.25), a higher parent-physician communication score (Beta = 0.18), and having a university education level compared to illiterate/primary/complementary (Beta = 2.59) were significantly associated with better attitude. A better attitude (Beta = 0.92) and a higher global knowledge score (Beta = 0.6) were significantly associated with a better practice.

Conclusion: This study found that a better parent-physician communication and higher knowledge were associated with better attitude and practice towards obesity. Given the rise in childhood obesity worldwide, identifying factors that help reduce childhood obesity, is becoming mandatory. Our results can open up to future studies addressing strategies to prevent childhood obesity in Lebanon.