RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Obesity in children is a critical public health issue in developed countries and developing countries. The establishment of health-related behaviors in childhood, significantly influenced by parental involvement, underscores the need for effective intervention measures. AIM: This original research is a systematic review and meta-analysis that aimed to investigate the impact of parental involvement on the prevention and management of childhood obesity, focusing on outcomes such as BMI z-score, exercise levels, screen time, dietary self-efficacy, and percentage body fat. METHODS: Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) identified through comprehensive searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, including RCTs involving children aged 2-18 years with parental or caregiver participation, reporting on the specified outcomes. Data analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3, employing a random effects model. RESULTS: A total of 5573 participants were included. The meta-analysis revealed a significant reduction in BMI z-score (MD = -0.06, 95% CI: -0.09 to -0.02, p = 0.005, I2 = 58%), a non-significant increase in exercise levels (SMD = 0.26, 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.52, p = 0.05, I2 = 52%), and a significant reduction in screen time (MD = -0.36 h per day, 95% CI: -0.61 to -0.11, p = 0.005, I2 = 0%). Dietary self-efficacy also improved significantly (MD = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.12 to 1.05, p = 0.01, I2 = 0%). However, changes in percentage body fat did not reach statistical significance (MD = -1.19%, 95% CI: -2.8% to 0.41%, p = 0.15, I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: Parental involvement in childhood obesity interventions significantly impacts BMI z-score, exercise levels, screen time, and dietary self-efficacy but not percentage body fat. These findings highlight the importance of engaging parents in obesity prevention and management strategies.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Blood transfusion is one of the most important aspects of managing patients with a variety of medical disorders like thalassemia and sickle cell anemia. Despite this fact, many Saudis hesitate to donate blood and do not know whether blood banks need blood. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude, motivators, and barriers to blood donation among adults in Al-Qunfudah governorate, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on a convenience sample of 416 adults living in Al-Qunfudah governorate and its dependence, using an online self-administered questionnaire. The obtained data were analyzed statistically using SPSS version 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, USA). RESULTS: Among 416 respondents, exactly 232 (55.8%) had overall good knowledge regarding blood donation, and 334 (80.3%) positively perceived it. The best knowledge about blood donation was detected among those aged 21-24 years (p = 0.012), males (p = 0.008), university-educated (p = 0.048), having a government job (p = 0.001), and having a history of donating blood (p = 0.001). The motivators included religious motives (88.2%, n = 367), feelings of self-satisfaction (63.2%, n = 263), and restoring blood circulation (56.7%, n = 236). Barriers to blood donation were fear of being infected (27.6%, n = 115), needle phobia (23.6%, n = 98), fear of general weakness (22.8%, n = 95), didn't know how to donate (16.8%, n = 70), and fear of seeing blood (13.2%, n = 55). CONCLUSION: Although adults in the Al-Qunfudah governorate of Saudi Arabia had positive attitudes toward blood donation, they possessed inadequate knowledge about it. Being younger, male, university-educated, having government jobs, and having a past history of donating blood were factors associated with good knowledge of blood donation. The most common motivators were religious, financial, and maintaining health. However, fear of infection, needle sticks, fear of pain, and hemophobia were the recorded barriers. Public health education is recommended to tackle public concerns regarding blood donation and present its benefits.