Health behavior prediction model based on health literacy among mothers with obesity children

INTRODUCTION: Mothers have an important role in childhood obesity. The role of the mother is influenced by selfcare, self-efficacy, child health status, and health information obtained by mothers who form health literacy in the prevention of obesity in children. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the health behavior prediction model based on health literacy among mothers with obesity children. METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional study design. The study sample was all mothers who had school children aged 7–15 years in Jakarta Province, Indonesia, in 2018, with a sample of 301 people. The sampling technique used proportional random sampling. Data were collected by health literacy questionnaire, self-care, self-efficacy, health status, health information, and maternal health behavior in the prevention of childhood obesity that has been validated. Data were analyzed using the structural equation model using Stata version 14.2 (Stata Corporation) software. RESULTS: The results of this study found that determinant variables associated with obese children’s behavior prevention in mothers were health literacy, self-care, self-efficacy, health status, and health information (p < 0.05). The model of maternal health behavior to prevent childhood obesity based on health literacy, health information, and health status explained 40% of maternal health behavior variances. In addition, health information, self-care, selfefficacy, and health status associated with health literacy described 34%. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed maternal health behavior based on health literacy to prevent childhood obesity. These results will help health professionals promoting effective childhood obesity prevention among mothers.