Relationship of parental perception of children’s shape with nutritional status of children: a population-based study in 24-60-month-old Vietnamese children

This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of 24-60-month-old children in Hanoi, Vietnam, and explore parents’ perception of their child's body shape, as well as related factors. The study found that parents’ wishes had a significant impact on their children’s nutritional status, as reflected in the high percentage of parents dissatisfied with their child’s weight and shape. Malnutrition, overweight, and obesity were defined based on WHO 2006 standards, and children's anthropometric indices were measured. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect information on parents’ perception of their child’s health based on body shape and their satisfaction with it. The results showed highest dissatisfaction with the child's shape in malnourished children (86.8 %), then in the obese group (60.4 %), and lowest in overweight children (28 %). Correct parental perception about the child’s nutritional status and the healthiest shape was only 61.1 % and 34.5 %, respectively. Several related factors to parental correct perception about the child’s shape was found and it was higher 22.5 % with the parent living in suburban area than those living in urban area, 20 % with the parent of girls than those of boys, it decreased to 54 % in group of malnourished children, and 66 % in group of obese and overweight children. The findings of this study highlight the importance of parental education on healthy child development and the need for interventions to address the high prevalence of malnutrition, overweight, and obesity in preschool children.