Prioritizing Factors Affecting Obesity-prevention Behaviors in Preschoolers, Based on Social Cognitive Theory

Background: The development of effective prevention and intervention programs in preschool period is an essential step in the fight against the obesity epidemic throughout life. Objectives: This study aimed to prioritize the factors affecting the obesity prevention behaviors in ۴-۶ years old children from the perspective of mothers based on social cognitive theory. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on ۲۴۰ children aged ۴-۶ years living in Behbahan City, Iran, in ۲۰۱۶. A random multi-stage sampling method was used in this study to recruit the samples. Data collection tools included a demographic information form and a questionnaire based on cognitive social theory (constructs of environment, outcome expectation, emotional coping, self-control, and self-efficacy), whose validity and reliability have been evaluated and confirmed (α>۰.۷). The questionnaire, based on cognitive social theory, included ۴ obesity-prevention behaviors in children (physical activity, consumption of fruits and vegetables, consumption of sugar-free drinks, and screening) was completed by the mothers of these children. The Friedman test was used to analyze the obtained data in SPSS software, version ۲۳. Results: The study showed that from the mothers’ point of view, the constructs of social cognitive theory affecting obesity-prevention behaviors in ۴-۶ years old children do not have the same priority (P<۰.۰۱). Also, considering the mean ratings obtained in this study, the “outcome expectation” construct in all ۴ obesity-prevention behaviors is of primary importance. The average rankings of the “outcome expectation” construct were ۴.۳۸, ۴.۳۹, ۴.۲۵, and ۴.۴۹ in the behaviors of physical activity, consumption of fruits and vegetables, consumption of sugar-free drinks, and screening, respectively. Conclusions: In designing maternal-centered educational interventions that prevent obesity in ۴- ۶ years old children, the construct of “outcome expectation” should be given the highest priority.

کلیدواژه ها:

Obesity ، Pediatric ، Lifestyle ، Behavior ، Priorities ، Planning ، Health