Association of Parental Factors with Overweight and Obesity Among Children Under Five in the Southern Region of Sarawak

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood obesity is a growing global public health concern, including in Malaysia, with profound implications for the long-term health and development of children. Parental feeding practices are critical in preventing childhood obesity. To better understand these dynamics, this study investigates the association between parental factors and overweight and obesity among children under five in southern Sarawak. Methodology: This cross-sectional study involved 213 mother-child pairs recruited from 13 Taska centres (11 in Kuching and 2 in Samarahan) using multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires that covered socio-demographic characteristics, self-reported parental weight and height, feeding practices, and co-parenting feeding practices. Children’s weight and height were extracted from Taska records, and body mass index-for-age (BAZ) z-scores were calculated. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 21.6% and 8.5%, respectively. Multiple binary logistic regression revealed that parents who apply pressure to eat (AOR = 0.670, p = 0.042) and teach about nutrition (AOR = 0.630, p = 0.007) had a lower risk of overweight and obesity among children under five than those who did not. Conclusion and Recommendation: This study highlights the importance of parental feeding practices in shaping children’s weight outcomes. Interventions that reduce pressure to eat and strengthen parents' skills in teaching nutrition are recommended to raise awareness and support the prevention of childhood overweight and obesity.