The relationship between maternal lifestyle and children’s body mass index: A cross-sectional study in Abadan, Iran

Background & aim: The nutritional status of children is assessed by height, weight and body mass index (BMI). Several factors affecting the child's BMI. Parents act as models for children regarding the consumption of food and nutrition, and their nutrition practices and lifestyle affect a child's diet and weight indirectly. This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the association between maternal lifestyle and child's body mass index in Abadan, Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 500 children within the age range of 3-6 years were selected with their mothers from nine health centers in Abadan, Iran. Data were collected using socio-demographic and lifestyle questionnaire through interviewing with mothers as well as measuring children's height and weight. The BMI of mothers was also measured in this study. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis, the Chi-square, and logistic regression tests. Results: The results showed no significant relationship between the total score of mother's lifestyle and children's BMI. However, some aspects of mothers' lifestyle including physical health, weight and nutrition management, as well as disease prevention and mental health of the mothers had significant relationship with children’s BMI (P<0.05). Also a significant relationship was seen between mothers' lifestyle with children’s appetite and mothers' socioeconomic status. The prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obese children were 15.2%, 6.8 %, and 5.8 %, respectively. Conclusion: Although there was no significant relationship between the total score of the mothers' lifestyle and the children's BMI, a significant relationship was observed between some lifestyle dimensions and the children’s BMI. The results of this study confirm the leading role of the mothers' lifestyle in children's growth and health.