HEALTHY EATING BEHAVIOR IN OBESE SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN IN THAILAND AND ITS RELATED FACTORS

Abstract

Abstract

     This study aimed to explore healthy eating behavior, eating behavior, factors related to healthy eating behavior in obese school-age children in semi-urban context of Mahasarakham province. Participants of this study consisted of 1) 20 obese school-age children studying in grade 4 and 5 at a public primary school in Mahasarakham province, 2) 20 parents or guardians of obese school-age children, 3) 8 teachers, and 4) 6 nurses. Data were collected through self -administered questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and observations. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data, respectively Results revealed that obese school-age children had moderate healthy eating behavior, moderate belief about healthy eating, and moderate healthy eating self-efficacy while having high knowledge about healthy food and healthy eating. There were three categories of eating behavior in obese school-age children including 1) Eating less vegetable and fruits, 2) Eating much carbohydrate or sugary food and sweet drinks, and 3) Eating food containing high fat and oil. Three categories of the risk factors of healthy eating behavior in obese school-age children were 1) Lack of awareness about healthy eating behavior, 2) Inadequate of nutritional knowledge, and 3) Availability and accessibility of unhealthy foods. The protective factors of healthy eating behavior in obese school-age children were 1) Local Thai “Isan” food and 2) Parents’ talking and teaching about healthy eating behavior.

     These findings might be useful for a development of effective interventions or programs to promote healthy eating behavior in obese school-age children.