Examining the Association Between Parental Factors and Childhood Obesity

PURPOSE: To examine associations between parent's diet and BMI (body mass index) and child's sedentary behavior and physical activity (PA) with child's BMI. DESIGN: A descriptive design. METHODS: Study participants were a parent-child dyad in a subsample of families enrolled in Chicago Heights Early Childhood Center. FINDINGS: Approximately 80% of parents had a BMI classifying as overweight or obese. Associations between children's sedentary behavior, PA, and BMI were insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the importance of including parents when developing strategies for promoting healthy behavior of children. CLINICAL EVIDENCE: Community health nurses are well-positioned to promote healthy behaviors.