Participation and care of mothers concerning the obesity control of adolescents: a descriptive study

Abstract

Aim: To identify how mothers of obese adolescents perceive their participation in the care and control of obesity. Method: This is a descriptive study, in which we used a qualitative approach, with 15 mothers of obese residents in Maringa, Paraná. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, recorded and submitted to content analysis. Results: Mothers do not consider obesity a disease; they acknowledge the importance of their participation in the habits of their children, guiding them to a healthy diet and the practice of physical activities. However, these habits are not adopted by the whole family. Moreover, they attribute to grandmothers a portion of the blame for the obesity of the adolescents. Discussion: It was observed that, even being conscious of their responsibility on the control of the obesity of their children, mothers do little to change this situation, prioritizing actions only related to food. Conclusion: It is necessary to better prepare mothers so they can act more effectively to control the obesity of their children.

Association between risk factors for hypertension and the Nursing Diagnosis overweight in adolescents

“…7 Moreover, the practice of nutritional counseling should be encouraged as it is important to reduce intake of unhealthy foods, and to increase consumption of fruit and vegetables among children and adolescents. 6 Therefore, it is believed that the nurse can be an active agent of these educational activities and of nutritional monitoring of adolescents. Therefore, before that, the nurses working, especially in PHC, need to be more attentive to the problems of overweight and risk factors for hypertension in adolescents.…”

“…4 In Brazil, it is the most important nutritional problem, present in approximately 20% of adolescents. 5 This fact is concerning because of the high likelihood of perpetuation of unhealthy habits for life, 6 the decrease in life expectancy, due to the higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as hypertension. 7 The nursing practice also encompasses the care of individuals with overweight.…”

Percepções e atitudes de crianças que vivenciam a obesidade

“…However, studies that address the experiences of children with obesity and their relation with this condition are not found in this same proportion. This is likely to be due to the difficulty in investigating the perceptions of this public, the ethical implications, or because children are quite reserved when it comes to approaching this topic, which according to mothers, also occurs in their relation with theirchildren (6) .…”