The Impact of Obesogenic Neighborhood Environments and Maternal Health Literacy on Children's Obesogenic Feeding Attitudes

Abstract

Background: The escalating prevalence of childhood obesity constitutes a significant public health concern, with a multitude of interacting factors contributing to its etiology.

Aims: This investigation was conducted to determine the interrelationships among obesogenic feeding attitudes in early adolescents, the degree of obesogenic environmental exposure, and maternal health literacy (HL).

Patients and Methods: This research employed cross-sectional design. The study population comprised middle school students (grades 5–8) residing within the urban center of Yozgat city, with data collection conducted in 2022. Data acquisition was facilitated through the administration of the Food Desire Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Obesogenic Environment Evaluation Form (OEEF), and the European Health Literacy Scale Turkish Short Form (EHLS-TR-16). A total of 583 students and their respective mothers participated in the study.

Results: The findings indicated that 20.9% the child participants exhibited a disposition towards obesogenic foods, while 28.6% demonstrated a strong inclination towards such consumption. Furthermore, 24.4% of the children were identified as being at heightened risk due to exposure to an obesogenic environment. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between children's preference for obesogenic foods increases and elevated OEEF score (β=0.197, p < 0.05), engagement in sporting activities (β = 0.102, p < 0.05), and the utilization of social media via mobile devices (β=0.096, p < 0.05). Conversely, no statistically significant associations were observed between children's preference for obesogenic food consumption and maternal HL levels, familial characteristics, child sex, age, or dietary behaviors such as the frequency of meals and snacks, and the practice of bringing food to school (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that residing within an obesogenic environment and the utilization of social media exert a noticeable influence on children's consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods. It is recommended that local authorities  consider the provision of requisite playgrounds and sporting infrastructure for children.

Keywords: Children, Obesity, Feeding Attitude, Neighborhood Environment, Health Literacy.