Childhood obesity is proving difficult to prevent despite identification of modifiable risk factors related to healthy eating and active play. For parents in Victoria, Australia, the Maternal Child Health (MCH) service plays an important role in promoting child health behaviours through nurse consultations with parents at key ages from birth to 3.5 years.
Our study was based in the rural remote Yarriambiack Shire, which in 2014 had the highest overweight and obesity prevalence in the state (66.9% vs. 49.8%) but prevalence in children was unknown. Our aim was two-fold; firstly, to determine the weight status of children aged 0-3.5 years. Secondly, to explore the relationship between child weight status and translation of advice on healthy eating and active play recommendations.
Child anthropometrics taken by MCH nurses for all children 0-5 years old between November 2011-2016 (n=438) were extracted and analysed for prevalence of overweight/obesity. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 15 parents of children aged 12 months – 5 years and the two MCH nurses.
Interviews confirmed a high level of engagement with the local MCH service. Parents saw MCH as a key information source for child health advice. Parents reported mostly following MCH healthy eating and active play advice, except screen time and fussy eating advice. Quantitative results showed local prevalence of overweight/obesity at 3.5 years was lower than the national average (11.4% vs. 20%). A significant trend towards obesity was noted starting from 12 months (p=<0.001), coinciding with a relaxation in parent attitudes towards healthy child behaviours.
Findings from this mixed method study showed that the Yarriambiack MCH service supports parents to raise healthy weight children until 3.5 years. However, there are warning signs that this support must continue throughout childhood and beyond if this cohort of children is to remain within a healthy weight range into adulthood.