Degree of Awareness and Extent of Proper Child-Bearing Practices among Parents of Children Having High Body Mass Index in La Trinidad, Benguet

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the degree of awareness and extent of proper child- rearing practices among children having high body mass index and to determine if there is a significant difference when variables such as age, educational attainment and cultural heritage are involved. Defining the relationship between the degree of awareness and extent of proper child-rearing practices was also included in the study. Four (4) different public schools in La Trinidad, Benguet were selected of which 10 respondents from every school was randomly selected. The study was conducted from November 2012 to January 2013. A descriptive structured questionnaire was used as the data gathering tool. The data gathered were collated, tabulated and analyzed utilizing different statistical treatments which include the weighted mean, t-test, and chi-square. Findings showed that parents are moderately aware on the proper child-rearing practices of children having high BMI. The results further revealed that proper child rearing practices among parents of children having high BMI are often practiced. Also, it pointed out that there is a strong correlation and significant relationship between the degree of awareness and extent of proper child-rearing practices significantly differs considering their educational attainment and cultural heritage, but not on their age. On the other hand, the extent of proper child-rearing practices significantly differs considering their educational attainment, but not their age and cultural heritage. Based on the findings, information dissemination on the causes, health risks and prevention of children having high BMI to be strengthened to further enhance the knowledge of caregivers. Their involvement is vital to the child since they have the shared responsibility in maintain the health of the child. Regardless of their educational attainment they should be given seminars and be encouraged to attend meetings about childhood overweight. While monthly monitoring of weight of school children should be done in every school to detect pupils who are at risk of developing childhood overweight. Moreover, parents should improve their care towards their children who are overweight by practicing proper lifestyle such as preparing nutritious food, good exercise and implementing 8-10 hours of sleep. The researchers also recommend further research on this subject matter. It is likewise recommended that the following studies be undertaken: a comparative study with regard to the degree of awareness and extent of proper-child rearing practices among parents who take care of overweight children and parents who take care of children of normal weight; and, include parents from private schools within La Trinidad as well as including the income status of parents in the questionnaire as a factor that contributes to the degree of awareness and extent of proper child rearing-practices among parents.