Effect of Socio-Demographic Factors, Health Literacy, and Mothers' Nutritional Literacy on Obesity-Related Behaviors among Female Adolescents; A Cross-Sectional Study

Obesity in adolescent is associated with several negative outcomes. This study aimed to determine factors associated with obesity among female students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this descriptive correlational study, a convenience sample of female adolescent students of high schools in Tabriz, Iran (322 students who were classified as obese or overweight) was selected between January and May 2021. An online self-administered questionnaire was distributed through the Shad platform. The survey package included socio-demographic questions, health literacy measures for adolescents, an inventory of determinants of obesity-related behaviors in adolescents, and mother's nutritional literacy. Multiple regression analysis examined associated factors with obesity using SPSS 133. The study adhered to the STROBE guidelines for reporting.

The mean score of obesity-related behaviors was moderate (124.18±22.35). Participants' mean scores in the domains of lack of support, unhealthy nutrition, physical inactivity, and perceived inability were more than average. Adolescents' health literacy mean score was moderate (167.43±20.06). Mother’s occupation (β=15.73; 95% CI: 7.54 to 23.92; p<0.001) and mother's nutritional literacy (β=-0.88; 95% CI: -1.50 to -0.27; p=0.005) were statistically significant predictors of the obesity-related behavior.

Mothers' nutritional literacy plays a pivotal role in shaping adolescents' behaviors related to obesity; thus, empowering mothers with appropriate knowledge and skills in the field of healthier lifestyles and improving the overall well-being of adolescents is essential.