The relationship between maternal lifestyle and children’s body mass index: A cross-sectional study in Abadan, Iran

Background & aim: The nutritional status of children is assessed by height, weight and body mass index (BMI). Several factors affecting the child s BMI. Parents act as models for children regarding the consumption of food and nutrition, and their nutrition practices and lifestyle affect a child s diet and weight indirectly. This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the association between maternal lifestyle and child s body mass index in Abadan, Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 500 children within the age range of 3-6 years were selected with their mothers from nine health centers in Abadan, Iran. Data were collected using socio-demographic and lifestyle questionnaire through interviewing with mothers as well as measuring children s height and weight. The BMI of mothers was also measured in this study. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis, the Chi-square, and logistic regression tests. Results: The results showed no significant relationship between the total score of mother s lifestyle and children s BMI. However, some aspects of mothers lifestyle including physical health, weight and nutrition management, as well as disease prevention and mental health of the mothers had significant relationship with children’s BMI (P<0.05). Also a significant relationship was seen between mothers lifestyle with children’s appetite and mothers socioeconomic status. The prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obese children were 15.2%, 6.8 %, and 5.8 %, respectively. Conclusion: Although there was no significant relationship between the total score of the mothers lifestyle and the children s BMI, a significant relationship was observed between some lifestyle dimensions and the children’s BMI. The results of this study confirm the leading role of the mothers lifestyle in children s growth and health.

کلیدواژه ها:

Body mass index ، lifestyle ، Obesity ، Overweight ، Underweight