Educational nursing intervention in the prevention of childhood obesity in preschool

Néstor M. Barrón-Ramírez, Escuela Superior de Tlahuelilpan, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Hgo., México
Benjamín López-Nolasco, Escuela Superior de Tlahuelilpan, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Hgo., México
Ariana Maya-Sánchez, Escuela Superior de Tlahuelilpan, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Hgo., México
Claudia A. Trejo-García, Escuela Superior de Tlahuelilpan, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Hgo., México

Introduction: Childhood obesity is a public health problem with a growing global prevalence. It is estimated that, in 2024, 35 million children under 5 years old were overweight or obese (WHO). This condition increases the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases. Objective: To determine the effect of a nursing intervention on the level of knowledge about the prevention of childhood obesity in parents of preschool children. Method: A quasi-experimental, quantitative, longitudinal, and prolective study, with a sample of 27 parents. The Instrument (COAFALI) was applied before and after an eight-session educational intervention. Data were analyzed with SPSS v21 software, using descriptive and inferential analysis. Results: A statistically significant improvement in knowledge levels was found after the intervention (Z = –4.553; p = 0.000). The majority of participants (88.9%) achieved a high level of knowledge after the intervention. Conclusions: The nursing educational intervention, focused on Dorothea Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory, is a highly effective strategy for improving the level of knowledge in parents regarding the prevention of childhood obesity.

Keywords: Childhood obesity. Educational intervention. Nursing. Knowledge.