title: Predictive factors for accuracy of perception of parents regarding their overweight or obese children in Taiwan.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Predictive factors for parental accuracy in perception of their children's weight and state of health have been unknown in Taiwan.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were obtained on children aged 3-12 years from the 2005 Taiwan National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). The comparison of measured BMI and parents' perception of their children's weight operationalized "weight perception". A structured questionnaire ascertained demographic characteristics, and logistic regression determined demographic variables associated with a weight misperception.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence of parental misperception of children who were overweight or obese was 50%; the ratio was higher in younger parents, parents with younger children, and those with overweight or obese children. In fact, only 1.7% of children whose parents misperceived overweight or obesity were engaged in weight management.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Most parents viewed excessive weight in their children as better health than normal weight. Parental age, children's age, and weight loss management may be predictive factors in parents' perceptive accuracy regarding children who are overweight or obese.
authors.affiliation: Department of Graduate Institute of Sports Training, University of Taipei, Taiwan. Email: pizonchung@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Cheng-Jung
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.affiliation: Department of Recreation and Sport Management, University of Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Yueh-Guey
authors.initials: YG
authors.lastname: Huang
mesh_terms: D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D050177:Overweight / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D010465:Perception; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013624:Taiwan