Effect of maternal health education on physical activity and body mass index of overweight children
Abstract: The percentage of
overweight children in Bengkulu (16.4%) is higher than the national percentage
(11.9%). High energy intake and low physical activity are two factors that
cause overweight.
Objective To assess the impact of maternal health education on changes in
maternal behavior, as well as energy intake, physical activity level, and body
mass index (BMI) z-scores in overweight children aged 3-6 years.
Methods This study was a quasi-experiment with non-randomized, pre-post
test control group, conducted in Bengkulu, Indonesia from January to April
2014. Subjects consisted of 48 mothers with overweight children, who were
selected purposively and divided into 2 groups (treatment and control).
Subjects’ parents kept records of their children’s food intake and daily
activity. These records were used to measure energy intake and physical
activity. Health education in the treatment group was conducted 6 times in 12
weeks, while the control group received health education only once at the
beginning of the study.
Results In the treatment group, the child physical activity level [0.04
(SD 0.01)] increased, while the % RDA for energy [-3.4 (SD 13.26)%] and BMI
z-score [-0.57 (SD 0.26)] decreased. Significant differences were observed
between the treatment and control groups in terms of maternal attitude, and
children’s % RDA for energy, physical activity level, and BMI z-score after
intervention (P <0.05).
Conclusion Health education for mothers effects a positive change in
maternal attitude, as well as increased physical activity level, decreased
energy consumption relative to their need, and BMI z-score in overweight
children.
Author: Miratul Haya, Maria
Mexitalia, Ani Margawati
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg160030