Perception of Child Weight and Feeding Styles in Parents of Chinese-American Preschoolers

AbstractParent perception of weight and feeding styles are associated with obesity in other racial groups but have not been explored in-depth in Chinese-American preschoolers. Cross-sectional survey of 253 Chinese-American parents with preschoolers was performed in a community clinic. Regression analysis was used to assess relationships between parental perception of weight and feeding styles. Parent under-perception of weight was common but more likely in boys than girls ( χ2 = 4.91,p = 0.03). Pressuring was also greater in boys [adjusted mean difference (95% CI) 0.24 (0.004, 0.49)]. In girls, pressuring was lower for children perceived as overweight [adjusted mean difference in CFQ scores −0.75 (−1.27, −0.23)]; in boys, pressuring was high regardless of perceived chil d weight. Weight perceptions and feeding styles related to childhood obesity in other groups were identified in Chinese-American families. Parent under-perception of child weight and pressure to eat were more common in boys. These factors should be addressed in Chinese-American preschooler obesity p revention programs.

Source: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health - January 2, 2017 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: research