Perception of Childhood Obesity in Mothers of Preschool Children

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to identify the perception of childhood obesity in mothers of preschool children using Q methodology.MethodsA total of 38 Q statements about childhood obesity were obtained from 41 participants. The QUANL PC program was used to analyze the results.ResultsThere were three types of perception toward obesity in mothers of preschool children: the “authoritative discipline type,” the “generous home meal focused type,” and the “home meal based on household financial situation type.”ConclusionThe perception of mothers toward childhood obesity can affect the extent of maternal interaction with children or meal preparation for the family. Based on these results, it is necessary to plan specific programs according to the types of maternal perception toward childhood obesity.