Search

Introduction: Obesity, currently considered an important public health problem, stems from multiple factors, and both prevention and intervention actions are extremely complex. Objective: The present investigation aims to analyze the perception of parents or guardians of children and adolescents in relation to obesity and how they experience care. Materials and Methods: Qualitative study based on 30 interviews with parents or guardians of obese children and adolescents, who attend a Child Obesity Care Center in a medium-sized city in the interior of São Paulo. The analysis was performed using the thematic analysis technique. Data collection took place from August to December 2020. Results and discussion: Most children and adolescents are aged between 5 and 10 years and are severely obese. Most study participants were mothers. In the analysis, the following themes were identified: difficulties in dealing with food; the feelings of mothers/guardians; child or adolescent problems related to obesity; attempts to change habits; and effects of the pandemic. The degree of obesity of children and adolescents found in the present study suggests that the search for help occurs in extreme cases. Conclusions: Parents or guardians are able to understand the risks and consequences of obesity; however, they face great difficulties in implementing care. The experiences with childhood obesity are full of suffering, both for parents or guardians and for children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Ciência & Saúde Coletiva is the property of Associacao Brasileira de Pos-Graduacao em Saude Coletiva and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)