Parents’ perception of physical activity and body mass in their children compared to BMI and physical fitness test results – examination of 8369 children

Abstract

I nt r o duc t i o n: The level of parents’ knowledge and ability to evaluate a chil-d’s health condition is crucial when making decisions concerning physical activity levels and dietary patterns. Ai m: This study assessed parents’ views versus the actual health status of their children using anthropometric examinations and performance test results. Ma t e r i a l a nd me t ho ds: The research involved an examination of 8369 children aged 6–7 years and an analysis of responses provided by parents to a questionnaire of the general health status of children, their physical activity, and estimated average time spent passively. Responses were compared to the results of a performance test and anthropometric measurements, classified according to centile grids for a given age and sex. Re s ul t s a nd di s c us s i o n: In total, 85% of guardians did not notice obesity in a child whose BMI was in the 95th percentile or above. Guardians of children with very bad physical performance evaluated their general health condition as very good (42%) or good (50%), which means that 92% of guardians were not aware of their child’s very low exercise capacity. In total, 75% of guardians of children with very poor fitness believed that their child had a sufficient amount of physical activity during the day. Co nc l us i o ns: Parents or guardians of children with excessive body weight have a low level of awareness of obesity and have no awareness of their children’s very low physical performance. We conclude that there is a great need for comprehensive education of societies regarding the importance of physical activity and nutrition for the health of children and youth.