Grandparent raising and obesity among migrant preschoolers

Objective To understand the influence of grandparent raising on obesity among migrant preschoolers.Methods Six kindergartens were selected from Bao'an district,Shenzhen city.All children were randomly divided into two groups according caregiving patterns.Child obesity was assessed by height,weight and chest circumference.Caregiving characteristics and dietary behavior was obtained through questionnaire.Results The obesity rate among 2 865 migrant preschoolers was 5.56%,of which mild obesity accounted for 62.79%.Obesity rate was significantly higher in grandparent-raising groups than parent rearing groups(P<0.05).Obesity rate increased with age(P<0.05).Conclusion Obesity closely relates with caregiving pattern among migrant preschoolers.Eating habits and attitudes during this critical period might play an important role in this association.