Abstract

INTRODUCTION

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the children's height, weight and the perception of mothers about these values and to reveal the factors that may affect it.

METHODS

This cross sectional study included a total of 210 children and their mothers who applied İzmir Tepecik Education Research Hospital Pediatric Health and Diseases policlinics. Survey questions consisting of a total of 30 questions including child’s socio-demographic characteristics, duration of breastfeeding, time to start additional food, eating habits, mother's evaluations of appetite, nutrition, height and weight about their children were asked.

RESULTS

The rate of mothers who were found to perceive the child's weight incorrectly was 54.3 % and the rate of mothers who were found to perceive their height incorrectly was 51.5%. Misperception rates were higher in mothers who have underweight and short children. Increased sibling number, the low level of education in the family, and the low household income affected the mother’s perceptions in false direction.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

In our study, it was seen that the ratio of mother’s misperceptions about their children's height and weight were about 50%. These misperceptions can cause the mother to be overly anxious about the child's nutrition and consequently develop negative nutritional behaviors which can lead to real nutritional problems such as low weight or obesity in the child. Therefore, more research is needed to reveal complications from maternal misperceptions.