Familial and cultural dynamics: Nurturing healthy eating habits and combating obesity among Palestinian children

Background The home environment is a key factor in shaping children's dietary preferences and can influence the development of eating habits, particularly in preventing and managing eating disorders like obesity. In Palestine, limited research exists on how family dynamics impact children's eating habits, especially in the context of eating disorder prevention. This study aims to explore how family involvement and community influence Palestinian children's eating habits and obesity prevention. Methods A quantitative, descriptive approach was used for this study. A survey was distributed to 185 participants with diverse demographics using purposive sampling. Of these, 165 completed surveys were analyzed to examine the relationships between family involvement, community influence, and children's eating behaviors. Results The findings reveal that family involvement significantly affects children's dietary choices, with religious and cultural traditions playing a vital role in reducing childhood obesity. Parental engagement was higher in villages compared to towns, though no significant demographic differences in participation were found. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of culturally tailored public health initiatives in addressing eating disorders among Palestinian children. Family involvement, religious practices, and cultural traditions were found to strongly promote healthy eating, with consistent parental support across demographics and notable differences favoring rural areas. Despite the study's limitations, including the cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reported data, it provides valuable insights into how families shape children's health-related behaviors. Further research with larger sample sizes and diverse methodologies is recommended to enhance understanding and intervention strategies.