Nama : Desti Agustiani

NIM : P05130219004
D4 Gizi Tingkat 1A

Perceptions of overweight by primary carers (mothers/grandmothers) of under five

and elementary school-aged children in Bandung, Indonesia: a qualitative study
Rachmi"o
Overweight / obesity in children and adults, while initially a problem especially in western
countries, is now a health problem that arises in countries undergoing economic transition -
including Indonesia. Indonesia, the fourth most populous country in the world, has been dealing
with the problem of children's malnutrition, including stunting and underweight for decades, as a
result many nutritional policies and programs are focused on tackling this problem. On the other
hand, being overweight has only been recognized as a health problem for Indonesia for more than a
decade. The prevalence of overweight children in Indonesia has increased significantly in the past
20 years, with higher prevalence rates found among boys in general and boys and girls living in
urban areas. Parents, especially mothers, play an important role in child feeding, modeling the role
for healthy eating and active living, and prevention of overweight. Many potential strategies for
dealing with overweight will involve working with families, especially the primary caregivers of
young children. These strategies will benefit from understanding the knowledge, attitudes and
behavior of the primary caregiver.
All caregivers have the same knowledge about the main factors that contribute to the child's
overweight diet, the level of activity and sedentary behavior, and heredity. However, caregivers
who identify their own children as being overweight express sensitivity about this weight status,
especially their physical abilities. Nearly all caregivers know the weight of their children now while
less than two-thirds know the height of their children.
 There are several policy implications. First, health-related knowledge from primary caregivers is
very important and needs to be added. To increase that knowledge, there is a role for frontline
health practitioners (doctors / midwives / nurses) to be more active in educating the public. Second,
a simpler and more effective way to spread the message of a healthy lifestyle to caregivers is
needed. Third, by emphasizing more caregivers monitoring the growth of their children can
encourage caregivers to take steps to keep their children in a healthy weight and height range.
Fourth, the Ministry of Education may need to improve the quality and quantity of physical activity
in schools