Differences in perceived causes of childhood obesity between migrant and local communities in China: a qualitative study

Background

In China, obesity has traditionally affected the more affluent urban children, but is spreading to a wider social group, including children who have migrated from rural to urban areas. Customised interventions are needed to prevent further growth in the prevalence of obesity among these migrant children. Exploring the perceptions of key stakeholders regarding the causes of childhood obesity can provide valuable insights. However, no qualitative studies have addressed this issue. We explored the differences in the perceived causes of childhood obesity between local and migrant communities living in a major city in China.

Methods

We conducted 20 focus groups (six in migrant communities) involving 137 participants (including parents, grandparents and school teachers) and 11 semi-structured interviews with school Principals (two from migrant schools) in Guangzhou. Audio data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic approach.

Findings

Three potential protective factors for obesity among migrant children were interpreted (theme one). Grandparents remaining in the hometown of migrant families were not believed to influence child care that often promotes obesity among local children. Migrant children might be exposed to fewer opportunities for unhealthy snacking and had more opportunity for active play, as they were reportedly under less pressure for academic attainment compared to local children. Nevertheless, two perceived causes were more pronounced in migrant children than in local children (theme two): a lack of parental care and monitoring in after-school health behaviours; and unsafe neighbourhoods with insufficient space for physical activity. Two further barriers that restricted child physical activity were only found in the migrant community (theme three): limited home space for physical activity, and cultural differences making interactive play with local children challenging.

Interpretations

While migrant children might have benefited from some protective factors in relation to the development of childhood obesity, several perceived causes were either more pronounced in, or unique to this group. Future research should deepen current knowledge in modifiable determinants of obesity in migrant children and develop appropriate intervention strategies to prevent further rise of the epidemic in this population while continuing current efforts in controlling obesity in local children.