Evaluating maternal self -efficacy in managing child obesity-related behaviors: A cross-sectional study

Background: Maternal self-efficacy is a key determinant in managing behaviors linked to childhood obesity. This study investigated maternal self-efficacy in addressing childhood obesity-related behaviors in Zanjan, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted in 2023, investigated maternal self-efficacy among 458 mothers of children aged 6–12 years. Participants were selected via cluster sampling from five comprehensive health centers across the city. Data were collected using the validated Persian version of the Children’s Lifestyle Behavior Checklist, which assesses parental perceptions of obesity-related behaviors and self-efficacy in addressing them. Independent t-tests and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted using SPSS (version 23), with statistical significance set at P<0.05. Results: Most mothers (96.9%, 95% CI: 94.8% to 98.2%) reported difficulties in managing obesity-related behaviors, with 36.9% (95% CI: 32.4% to 41.6%) showing low self-efficacy, particularly for sedentary lifestyles. Significant differences in problem perception (P<0.001, 95% CI: –64.83 to –30.54) and self-efficacy (P<0.001, 95% CI: 14.51 to 27.66) were observed between mothers of normal-weight versus overweight/obese children. Regression analysis indicated that maternal education (β=0.202, 95% CI: 6.910 to 20.388, P=0.0001) and child BMI (β=-0.303, 95% CI: -3.343 to -1.812, P=0.0001) were key predictors of self-efficacy. Conclusion: Sedentary lifestyles were a major concern among mothers. They reported low confidence in managing obesity-related behaviors, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. Specifically, evidence-based educational programs are essential to enhance mothers’ capacity to regulate children’s screen time and promote healthy lifestyle behaviors.