Effect of Parental Feeding Practices on Body Mass Index among School Age Children

Parental feeding Practices greatly decide the health status of the child. Parenting practices involves not only parents but also require participation of the child. By using different feeding practices i.e concern, monitor, restriction and pressure to eat, parents may intend to promote healthier diets in children, and perhaps even prevent obesity and malnutrition. Thus, feeding strategies used by parents may have important influence on children's eating patterns and weight.

A retrospective study was conducted on 100 samples among school going children from four areas of Jalandhar city i.e Maqsudan, Suranussi, Kukar village and Kartarpur through convenience sampling technique. Researcher introduced herself and explained the purpose of study to the sample. Written Consent was taken from each sample. Researcher assessed the weight and height of school age children by using weighing machine, measuring tape and assessment format in order to calculate BMI of the child. Interview schedule was arranged to assess Parental feeding practices through checklist and 24 hr recall.

The findings of the study showed that (32.8%) parents of school age children were concerned about feeding of their children. 26.6% parents had restriction on their food habits.(20.7%) parents were monitoring their child. 19.8% parents had pressure to eat on their children. Most of the parents had both the practices i.e. monitor and pressure to eat. Out of 100 samples according to WHO BMI criterion measure, 74% children were underweight. There was weak relationship between feeding practices and BMI i.e. 0.0253.

Mean score of body Mass Index was found to be associated with age (in years) and weight (in kg) of socio demographic variables.