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Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health 2/2017

01-04-2017 | Original Paper

Perception of Child Weight and Feeding Styles in Parents of Chinese-American Preschoolers

Authors: Lucy Y. Chang, Alan L. Mendelsohn, Arthur H. Fierman, Loretta Y. Au, Mary Jo Messito

Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health | Issue 2/2017

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Abstract

Parent perception of weight and feeding styles are associated with obesity in other racial groups but have not been explored in-depth in Chinese-American preschoolers. Cross-sectional survey of 253 Chinese-American parents with preschoolers was performed in a community clinic. Regression analysis was used to assess relationships between parental perception of weight and feeding styles. Parent under-perception of weight was common but more likely in boys than girls (χ2 = 4.91, p = 0.03). Pressuring was also greater in boys [adjusted mean difference (95% CI) 0.24 (0.004, 0.49)]. In girls, pressuring was lower for children perceived as overweight [adjusted mean difference in CFQ scores −0.75 (−1.27, −0.23)]; in boys, pressuring was high regardless of perceived child weight. Weight perceptions and feeding styles related to childhood obesity in other groups were identified in Chinese-American families. Parent under-perception of child weight and pressure to eat were more common in boys. These factors should be addressed in Chinese-American preschooler obesity prevention programs.
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Metadata
Title
Perception of Child Weight and Feeding Styles in Parents of Chinese-American Preschoolers
Authors
Lucy Y. Chang
Alan L. Mendelsohn
Arthur H. Fierman
Loretta Y. Au
Mary Jo Messito
Publication date
01-04-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health / Issue 2/2017
Print ISSN: 1557-1912
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1920
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-016-0541-9

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