To assess effectiveness of Knowledge on Childhood Obesity Prevention Training of food habits and physical activity among mothersof school going children of Pune city.

Abstract

Introduction:In developed and developing countries, Childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels. It isknown that the disorder has multiple causative factors i.e. lifestyle, social, environmental andcultural. Worldwide these factors play a crucial role for raising the prevalence of childhoodobesity. It presumes that Obesity develops in children due to increased consumption of fat andcalories. However steady dropping of physical activities, having large portions of foods anddrinking beverages have been playing an essential role in childhood obesity.Material and Methods: The pre-experimental study wherein one group pretest and post study wereconducted and 250 mothers were selected through convenient sampling techniques.Result: 10% of the mothers had age 24-29 years, 44.4% of them had age 30-35 years, 38.8% of them had one child in the family, 58% of them had two children, 17.2% of them had a family history of obesity, 56% of them were very concernedif their child was overweight or obese.In Pretest 48% of them mentioned that Consumption of Green leafy vegetables in diet helps for the prevention of obesity in children whereas 83.2% of them responded after posttest. In the pretest, 42% of them stated that Consumption of fruits in diet helps for the prevention of obesity in children and 95.6% of the revealed after giving training. Before intervention72.8% of them said that decreasing the consumption of noodles, Chinese food helps to prevent obesity in children whereas 86.4% replied after intervention. In the pretest and Posttest 40.4% and 61.6% respectively mentioned that Parents do not force the child to finish the food on the plate.In the pretest, 73.6% of them mentioned that avoiding junk food like pizza, burger, and packed foods helps in the prevention of obesity in children and 92% mothers answered after a training.52.4% of the samples thought that physical activities help for prevention of obesity in children whereas 77.2% stated after an intervention. Conclusion:Food habits and Physical activity are playing an important role in the prevention childhood obesity. Mother is the key person who is facilitator should acquaint with healthy cuisines and activities. This will help in tackle the epidemic of childhood obesity.