Parental Perspectives on Pediatric Obesity Prevention and Management in Korea: Insights into Barriers and Facilitators

Background : Parental awareness and involvement are crucial in managing obesity in children and adolescents. Although awareness of obesity-related health risks is increasing, public understanding of specific aspects remains limited. This study examines parental perceptions and practices regarding pe...

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Main Authors: Jahye Jung, Yoon Lee, Minsoo Shin, Ah-Ram Sul, Yong Hee Hong
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Korean Society for the Study of Obesity 2025-04-01
Series:Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.jomes.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.7570/jomes24050
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author Jahye Jung
Yoon Lee
Minsoo Shin
Ah-Ram Sul
Yong Hee Hong
author_facet Jahye Jung
Yoon Lee
Minsoo Shin
Ah-Ram Sul
Yong Hee Hong
author_sort Jahye Jung
collection DOAJ
description Background : Parental awareness and involvement are crucial in managing obesity in children and adolescents. Although awareness of obesity-related health risks is increasing, public understanding of specific aspects remains limited. This study examines parental perceptions and practices regarding pediatric obesity in Korea. Methods : An online survey was conducted from June 3 to 14, 2024, targeting 102 parents/guardians of children and adolescents who were overweight or obese according to the 2023 Student Health Examination results. The survey assessed experiences with medical consultations, awareness and management practices regarding obesity, awareness of related policies, and barriers and facilitators for obesity management. Results : A significant gap exists between awareness and actual practice in managing pediatric obesity. Although 90.2% of the respondents recognized the importance of dietary and exercise management, the actual implementation rates were low (68.6% and 66.7%, respectively). Notably, 62.1% of respondents were unaware of any existing national policies or programs: 39.7% were aware of relevant policies, and only 35.3% were aware of related programs. Barriers to obesity management included a lack of awareness and motivation among children and adolescents, insufficient information for parents/guardians, and financial and time constraints. Facilitators of effective management include accurate diagnosis, coordination between schools and healthcare providers, and increased community support. Conclusion : Combating pediatric obesity will require improved awareness and education, reduced financial burden, and the promotion of national policies. Strengthening coordination among schools, healthcare providers, and community resources will facilitate the successful management of obesity.
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spelling doaj-art-474953534e044d5d9ea2437ed3e092932025-08-20T03:13:45ZengKorean Society for the Study of ObesityJournal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome2508-62352025-04-0134216617610.7570/jomes24050jomes24050Parental Perspectives on Pediatric Obesity Prevention and Management in Korea: Insights into Barriers and FacilitatorsJahye Jung0Yoon Lee1Minsoo Shin2Ah-Ram Sul3Yong Hee Hong4Division of Healthcare Research, National Evidence-based Healthcare Collaborating Agency, Seoul, KoreaDepartment of Pediatrics, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, KoreaDepartment of Pediatrics, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, KoreaDivision of Healthcare Research, National Evidence-based Healthcare Collaborating Agency, Seoul, KoreaDepartment of Pediatrics, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Bucheon, KoreaBackground : Parental awareness and involvement are crucial in managing obesity in children and adolescents. Although awareness of obesity-related health risks is increasing, public understanding of specific aspects remains limited. This study examines parental perceptions and practices regarding pediatric obesity in Korea. Methods : An online survey was conducted from June 3 to 14, 2024, targeting 102 parents/guardians of children and adolescents who were overweight or obese according to the 2023 Student Health Examination results. The survey assessed experiences with medical consultations, awareness and management practices regarding obesity, awareness of related policies, and barriers and facilitators for obesity management. Results : A significant gap exists between awareness and actual practice in managing pediatric obesity. Although 90.2% of the respondents recognized the importance of dietary and exercise management, the actual implementation rates were low (68.6% and 66.7%, respectively). Notably, 62.1% of respondents were unaware of any existing national policies or programs: 39.7% were aware of relevant policies, and only 35.3% were aware of related programs. Barriers to obesity management included a lack of awareness and motivation among children and adolescents, insufficient information for parents/guardians, and financial and time constraints. Facilitators of effective management include accurate diagnosis, coordination between schools and healthcare providers, and increased community support. Conclusion : Combating pediatric obesity will require improved awareness and education, reduced financial burden, and the promotion of national policies. Strengthening coordination among schools, healthcare providers, and community resources will facilitate the successful management of obesity.http://www.jomes.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.7570/jomes24050pediatric obesitysurveys and questionnairesparentskorea
spellingShingle Jahye Jung
Yoon Lee
Minsoo Shin
Ah-Ram Sul
Yong Hee Hong
Parental Perspectives on Pediatric Obesity Prevention and Management in Korea: Insights into Barriers and Facilitators
Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome
pediatric obesity
surveys and questionnaires
parents
korea
title Parental Perspectives on Pediatric Obesity Prevention and Management in Korea: Insights into Barriers and Facilitators
title_full Parental Perspectives on Pediatric Obesity Prevention and Management in Korea: Insights into Barriers and Facilitators
title_fullStr Parental Perspectives on Pediatric Obesity Prevention and Management in Korea: Insights into Barriers and Facilitators
title_full_unstemmed Parental Perspectives on Pediatric Obesity Prevention and Management in Korea: Insights into Barriers and Facilitators
title_short Parental Perspectives on Pediatric Obesity Prevention and Management in Korea: Insights into Barriers and Facilitators
title_sort parental perspectives on pediatric obesity prevention and management in korea insights into barriers and facilitators
topic pediatric obesity
surveys and questionnaires
parents
korea
url http://www.jomes.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.7570/jomes24050
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