Journal List > Korean J Community Nutr > v.24(2) > 1122131

Lee, Park, Kim, Shim, and Hwang: A Qualitative Study on the Potential Utilization of a Mobile Phone for Obesity Management in Elementary-School Children : Parents Perspective

Abstract

Objectives

This study was conducted to investigate the current difficulties surrounding children's obesity management and evaluate the application of a mobile phone as a tool to overcome such difficulties of obesity management from the perspective of main caregivers of elementary school students.

Methods

The qualitative data were collected through 3 focus group interviews including 6 full-time housewives, 7 mothers with overweight children, and 4 working mothers. Data were analyzed using a thematic approach.

Results

The limitations of current children's obesity management included difficulty in diet management and exercise as well as challenges of setting goals and lack of support at the household and school levels. Mobile technology may be useful to overcome the current problems by providing real-time knowledge on diet management and physical activity, online compensation scheme according to goal setting, and interactive environmental supports at both household and school levels for promoting overall health.

Conclusions

The mobile-based multiple support program may assist in overcoming the current limitations of child obesity management by providing tailored information and by creating a more supportive environment.

Figures and Tables

Table 1

General characteristics of participants

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Table 2

Potential application of a mobile phone as a tool to overcome the difficulties of obesity management in elementary school students from the perspective of parents

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the R&D Program for Society of the National Research Foundation (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT (Grant number : NRF-2013M3C8A2A01078464 & NRF-2014M3C8A2A01070970)

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TOOLS
ORCID iDs

Bo Young Lee
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5059-9734

Mi-Young Park
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0422-3629

Kirang Kim
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3054-8758

Jea Eun Shim
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8458-9112

Ji-Yun Hwang
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4003-1293

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