Factors affecting perception of child weight

Background Parental misperception and underestimation of their child’s weight are documented in studies. Demographic factors like age and gender have been linked to misclassification. However, modifiable factors that could potentially frame future intervention and prevention strategies have not been explored. This study aimed to assess factors that could predict parental misclassification of their preschool child’s weight. Methods This was a cross-sectional study with 198 parents and their 2- to 5-year-old children who attended standalone preschools or childcare centers with preschools. Parents completed a questionnaire that asked about demographic features, personal and family health, and the assessment of their child’s weight using the three most frequently utilized measures. Logistic regression was conducted to assess the association between parental factors and child weight classification status. Instruments included the Parental Self-Efficacy for Promoting Healthy Physical...