Obese children and adolescents: parents' experiences and perceptions
Abstract
Introduction: Obesity, currently considered an important public health problem, stems from multiple factors, and both prevention and intervention actions are extremely complex. Objective: The present investigation aims to analyze the perception of parents or guardians of children and adolescents in relation to obesity and how they experience care. Materials and Methods: Qualitative study based on 30 interviews with parents or guardians of obese children and adolescents, who attend a Child Obesity Care Center in a medium-sized city in the interior of São Paulo. The analysis was performed using the thematic analysis technique. Data collection took place from August to December 2020. Results and discussion: Most children and adolescents are aged between 5 and 10 years and are severely obese. Most study participants were mothers. In the analysis, the following themes were identified: difficulties in dealing with food; the feelings of mothers/guardians; child or adolescent problems related to obesity; attempts to change habits; and effects of the pandemic. The degree of obesity of children and adolescents found in the present study suggests that the search for help occurs in extreme cases. Conclusions: Parents or guardians are able to understand the risks and consequences of obesity; however, they face great difficulties in implementing care. The experiences with childhood obesity are full of suffering, both for parents or guardians and for children.
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