Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about nutrition and childhood overweight among WIC participants

Fam Community Health. 2011 Oct-Dec;34(4):301-10. doi: 10.1097/FCH.0b013e31822b53dd.

Abstract

This study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about nutrition, physical activity, and health risks related to childhood overweight among Women, Infants, and Children participants. Most (n = 165) were knowledgeable about causes/health risks of overweight (90%). The belief that "some people are born big or thin . . . " varied by education level (P < 0.05). Concerning activity, many (white non-Hispanic, 53%; African-American 69%) reported their children spending 2 to 3 hours per day watching television and playing video games, with 10% white non-Hispanic and 21% of African-American reporting 4 hours or more (P < 0.05). Beliefs related to the risk of overweight and activity level of the children differed among ethnic groups.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Black or African American / psychology*
  • Black or African American / statistics & numerical data*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Child Welfare
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Food Services
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / ethnology*
  • Humans
  • Leisure Activities
  • Male
  • Overweight / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • White People / psychology*
  • White People / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult