Role of fathers in overweight prevention: an analysis of a Caribbean cohort

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of parental characteristics and maternal perceptions of ways fathers might influence risk of overweight in Caribbean infants. DESIGN AND METHODS: Data from participants in a three island parenting intervention study were analyzed. Maternal and paternal characteristics were obtained by questionnaire at enrolment (infant age 6-10 weeks). At 18 months, 501 infants (82.9% of cohort) had weight and length measured using standardized methods and body mass index (BMI-Z scores) calculated. Participants with Z scores ≥1 were classified as at risk of overweight. Multi-level logistic regression analyses were utilized to assess the effect of parents’ characteristics on the risk of infant overweight. Additionally data from 4 focus group discussions among mothers with infants (6 - 24 months) in Jamaica were used to explore how any effects might be mediated. RESULTS: Overall 20.6% of the children were classified as at risk of overweight. The father was present in 52% of households. Fathers’ presence and higher paternal occupation level were associated with reduced risk of overweight after controlling for maternal age, education, occupation, receptive vocabulary and SES score. The presence of the father in the home (OR[95% CI] =0.78 (0.62 - 0.99)) decreased the odds of overweight in these infants. From focus group discussions mothers reported that the majority of fathers encouraged breastfeeding, healthier meal choices and discouraged use of unhealthy snacks. CONCLUSION: More information on paternal characteristics should be collected in future studies of childhood obesity. Interventions to address childhood overweight should include fathers as part of the strategy.