Parents' perceptions of obesity prevention during infancy: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Infancy appears to be a critical period for establishing a person's weight set point. It remains unclear which interventions during infancy may be most effective in preventing later obesity and which ones are most acceptable to parents. The aim of this study was to examine the attitudes of parents of children aged 2 years and under toward different obesity prevention messages and their preferences with regard to these messages.

METHODS: Using a qualitative research design, we conducted semistructured interviews followed by a focus group. Parents of children under 2 years of age were purposively recruited from 2 communities in British Columbia, Canada, and asked for their opinions about various health promotion messages relating to obesity prevention. A theoretical thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS: Thirty-three parents participated in the study. Participants reported that many of the current recommendations (no screen time, no sugary beverages) are unrealistic, unclear and inconsistent, making them difficult to follow and causing parents to feel guilty; they had a more positive response to the feeding roles message. Parents noted the importance of starting education early and targeting the broader community.

INTERPRETATION: Several important and interesting themes were identified in this study, which increases our understanding of parents' attitudes toward and preferences for the messages presented. Obesity prevention information for today's busy parents needs to be realistic, supportive and timely.