Communication of obesity messages among children

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Abstract

Background: Childhood obesity is considered as one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century, and is a global priority. For children, their parents and families have an influence on their dietary intakes and physical activities. It is currently unknown the channels for communicating obesity messages, the information that needs to be included in obesity messages, and the challenges in communicating obesity messages, all in relation to dietary and physical activity information for children. The aim of this current study is to investigate the communication of obesity messaging in relation to dietary and physical activity information among children, from the parents’ perspectives.Methods: This is a quantitative online survey among parents of children aged 5-11 years to gain information on the channels, needs and the challenges in communicating dietary and physical activity information to children, from the parents’ perspectives. The parents were recruited via participating Schools, which represent a range of socio-economic backgrounds. This survey is ongoing with 568 responses submitted and the aim is to achieve at least 1000. Data was analysed using SPSS (version 22) and predictive modelling will be conducted with the full dataset. Ethical approval was obtained.Findings: Preliminary data from 568 parents indicates that parents use a range of channels, including technologies and mobile devices, to gain for and communicate dietary and physical activity information to their children. The parents reported a diverse range of needs and the challenges in communicating dietary and physical activity information to children, such as more accessible resources including using mobile devices and applications, and further support from Schools. This study shows that technology including mobile devices and applications is being used and further are requested to aid parents in communicating dietary and physical activity information to their children. Predictive health modelling on the full dataset (at least 1000 responses) will be presented.Discussion: Recommendations on the most suitable channels and content of messages on communicating obesity will be provided, which will be valuable for parents and also for health professionals in advising parents to improve health messaging among children.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationUnknown Host Publication
PublisherInternational Association for Communication in Healthcare
Number of pages1
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 6 Jun 2016
EventInternational Conference on Communication in Healthcare - Heidelberg, Germany
Duration: 6 Jun 2016 → …

Conference

ConferenceInternational Conference on Communication in Healthcare
Period6/06/16 → …

Keywords

  • Communication
  • obesity
  • health messages
  • children
  • parents

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