A qualitative study to explore parental views on how fast-food consumption can impact on primary school children’s health in Leeds

Abstract

Parents play a crucial role in the development of their children’s eating habits, due to being responsible for food choice, meal patterns, whilst ensuring children get the required nutrients. Fast-food is energy-dense and high in salt, sugar and saturated fats. Frequent fast-food consumption plays a role in the development of childhood obesity. This causes harm to individuals’ mental and physical health, whilst hindering economic development and adding pressure to services. The UK is currently experiencing an obesity epidemic. The chosen location for this study is Leeds due to it being one of the first UK cities to see a decline in rates of obesity. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling using the researcher’s personal contacts who met the inclusion criteria. Participants self-included or excluded to take part in an online semi-structured interview on Microsoft teams. Overall, six participants were interviewed. All interviews underwent thematic analysis, identifying four themes: fast-food consumption, understanding a balanced diet, sources of knowledge, and the support needed for parents.

Parents discussed feeding their children fast-food approximately once per week. Common motivations identified by parents included convenience, cost and children’s preference. Parents identified all the common physical health impacts of frequent fast- food consumption such as diabetes and heart problems. However, few identified the mental health impacts. All parents displayed strong background knowledge surrounding a balanced diet and the essential vitamins needed for children’s development. Parents mentioned they were trying to introduce a balanced diet whilst their children’s palates were forming. Parents identified a range of sources they ascertained their knowledge from. They all mentioned social media, their upbringing, books and advice from professionals. Parents identified that support is required for parents to educate and raise awareness around fast-food consumption and the health impacts. Parents emphasised the Government should take responsibility through social media, marketing campaigns and reducing the advertising of junk food. Parents highlighted working with supermarkets, schools and targeting actions to low-income families.

Recommendations from this study include further research into the mental health impacts faced by obese children, which could be utilised for future campaigns. Public health campaigns should be delivered by the NHS educating parents on the importance of vitamins and supplements for children’s health. Further research could be conducted into parents knowledge of children’s nutrition, which would highlight the most efficient ways to educate parents. The Government should attempt to regulate nutrition information posted on social media, as misinformation can lead to the development of incorrect dietary habits. To ensure the success of future actions, a collaborative approach between the government, NHS, local authorities and charities is needed. Finally, the Government needs to strengthen current policy actions among the deprived communities.