Public Knowledge and Attitudes towards Childhood Obesity and Prevention in Chamba
Background: Childhood obesity is a rapidly growing public health concern globally, with significant implications for both short-term and long-term health outcomes. In India, particularly in rural areas like Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, the dual burden of undernutrition and obesity is becoming increasingly evident. Despite the rising prevalence of obesity, knowledge and attitudes towards childhood obesity and its prevention remain underexplored in this region. Materials and Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional, quantitative research design to assess the knowledge and attitudes towards childhood obesity among parents in Chamba. A total of 500 parents with at least one child aged 18 years or younger were selected through systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, which was pretested for clarity and reliability. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data and identify key predictors of high knowledge and positive attitudes. Results: The majority of parents (85.4%) recognized childhood obesity as a health issue, but knowledge gaps were identified in understanding specific risk factors, with only 63.8% correctly identifying them. Positive attitudes towards prevention strategies were prevalent, with 84.6% supporting healthy eating at home and 76.4% endorsing regular physical activity. However, 18.4% of parents were neutral or disagreed with the perception that obesity is a personal family issue. Higher education (OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 2.0-4.6) and high-income status (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.4-3.7) were the strongest predictors of high knowledge and positive attitudes towards prevention. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for targeted, culturally tailored interventions in Chamba to address the knowledge gaps and socio-economic disparities that influence parents' attitudes towards childhood obesity prevention. By prioritizing education and income-related barriers, community-based strategies can be more effectively implemented to reduce the growing trend of childhood obesity in rural India, ultimately improving long-term health outcomes for children.