AUTHOR=Zhong Fengyu , Feng Jingbo , Zhang Lin , Lu Lin , Yuan Hui , Li Jing , Tian Tian , Hu Youfang 

TITLE=Parents of children and adolescents knowledge, attitude, and practice toward metabolically healthy obesity: a cross-sectional survey

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1591300

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2025.1591300

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=IntroductionUnderstanding parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) in children and adolescents is crucial. This study aimed to assess the KAP levels of parents concerning MHO and identify factors influencing these levels.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at Jiangsu Provincial People’s Hospital (June 28, 2023–August 3, 2023). 534 valid questionnaires were collected. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, univariable/multivariable regression, and Spearman correlation to determine KAP levels and influencing factors. Cronbach’s α was 0.890.ResultsMedian scores were 11 (IQR: 7–13; maximum 18) for knowledge, 32 (IQR: 30–35; maximum 40) for attitude, and 32 (IQR: 27–35; maximum 40) for practice. Significant positive correlations were found between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.407, p < 0.001), knowledge and practice (r = 0.357, p < 0.001), and attitude and practice (r = 0.456, p < 0.001). Non-medical occupations (OR = 0.658, p = 0.037) and income 8,000–12,000 (OR = 2.796, p = 0.001) were linked to knowledge. Income 5,000–8,000 (OR = 2.864, p = 0.001) and 8,000–12,000 (OR = 2.392, p = 0.013) related to attitude, while income 8,000–12,000 (OR = 2.798, p = 0.001) and >12,000 (OR = 2.340, p = 0.013) related to practice.ConclusionParents showed moderate knowledge but good attitudes/practices toward MHO. KAP dimensions were positively correlated. Socioeconomic status, particularly income, significantly associated with knowledge/practice.