Search

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of Hispanic parents’ perceptions of their preschool children's weight status. Design and Methods A cross-sectional descriptive design with Hispanic parent–child dyads (n = 83) from a Head Start setting was used to compare parents’ perceptions of their children's weight status with their 2- to 5-year-old children's body mass index (BMI) and weight categories. Methods included a word choice from five response options, and varying body size silhouettes presented in a linear fashion and a random circular pattern. Parents’ perceptions were compared with the children's BMI, and in relationship to parents’ demographic characteristics and BMI. Results Approximately half of parents underestimated their child's weight status, and overweight/obese parents tended to underestimate their overweight/obese children's weight status. Practice Implications Eliciting parent perception of their child's weight is one way providers can engage in obesity prevention dialogue.

Purpose A concept analysis was undertaken to examine the attributes, characteristics, and uses of the concept of obesogenic environment within a pediatric context. Conclusions Utilizing a modified version of Walker and Avant's method, the attributes and characteristics of obesogenic environment were identified as it pertains to children. Based on the review of the literature and previous definitions applied to adults, a definition of the concept of obesogenic environment within a pediatric context was developed; examples of sample cases illustrate the concept further. Practice Implications Defining the concept of obesogenic environment has utility for nursing theory development, practice, research, and education.