Observational Study
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2024. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Clin Pediatr. Jun 9, 2024; 13(2): 91255
Published online Jun 9, 2024. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v13.i2.91255
Assessing Moroccan physician knowledge and practices regarding maternal obesity's impact on childhood obesity: Implications for prevention and intervention
Imane Douiyeh, Jihane Khamlich, Naima Nabih, Asmae Saih, Ilham Boumendil, Anas Regragui, Anass Kettani, Amal Safi
Imane Douiyeh, Jihane Khamlich, Ilham Boumendil, Amal Safi, Laboratory Biochemistry Environment and Agri-food, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technics Mohammedia, Hassan II University Casablanca, Mohammedia 28806, Morocco
Imane Douiyeh, Jihane Khamlich, Asmae Saih, Anass Kettani, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’Sik Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca 20000, Morocco
Naima Nabih, Department of Medical, ACHAS Association of the Doctors Ain Chock Casablanca Morocco, Casablanca 20400, Morocco
Anas Regragui, Department of Medical, Hassan II University, Casablanca 20400, Morocco
Author contributions: Douiyeh I performed the research and analyzed the data; Khamlich J contributed to analyze the data; Nabih N and Saih A contributed to data collection; Boumendil I and Regragui A contributed to article format; Kettani A and Safi A contributed to manuscript editing; All authors have read and approve the final manuscript.
Institutional review board statement: We surveyed physicians who were members of the association with which we collaborated on our study. This collaborative initiative was established to uphold rigorous ethical and professional standards in the research process. It is imperative to acknowledge that this research has secured requisite ethical approval from the Association of Physicians (ACHAS), which functions as the designated ethical review board overseeing this investigative inquiry. All procedural aspects were meticulously executed in alignment with the ethical principles set forth by the association, thereby safeguarding the research's integrity and upholding the rights of participating individuals.
Informed consent statement: The formal consent was not applicable.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Data sharing statement: No additional data are available.
STROBE statement: The authors have read the STROBE Statement—checklist of items, and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the STROBE Statement—checklist of items.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Imane Douiyeh, PhD, Researcher, Laboratory Biochemistry Environment and Agri-food, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technics Mohammedia, Hassan II University Casablanca, BP 146, Mohammedia 28806, Morocco. imane.douiyeh-etu@etu.univh2c.ma
Received: December 25, 2023
Revised: March 1, 2024
Accepted: April 8, 2024
Published online: June 9, 2024
Processing time: 164 Days and 16.7 Hours
Abstract
BACKGROUND

Childhood obesity is a growing global concern with far-reaching health implications. This study focuses on evaluating the knowledge and practices of physicians in Morocco regarding the link between maternal obesity and childhood obesity. Despite the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity worldwide, this issue remains inadequately addressed in the Moroccan context.

AIM

To assess the awareness and practices of physicians in Morocco concerning the connection between maternal obesity and childhood obesity.

METHODS

The research encompasses a comprehensive survey of practicing physicians, revealing significant gaps in awareness and practices related to maternal obesity.

RESULTS

Notably, a significant portion of doctors do not provide adequate guidance to overweight pregnant women, highlighting the urgency for targeted educational programs.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this research illuminates critical areas for improvement in tackling childhood obesity in Morocco. By addressing these gaps, fostering awareness, and enhancing medical practices, the healthcare system can contribute significantly to preventing childhood obesity and improving the overall health of future generations.

Keywords: Childhood obesity; Maternal obesity; Management; Prevention; Screening

Core Tip: In this groundbreaking first study, we focused on an in-depth assessment of the knowledge and practices of physicians in Morocco regarding the link between maternal and childhood obesity, comprehensively investigating from the first months of life through childhood. The growing global scale of childhood obesity makes this research an essential milestone, highlighting significant gaps in medical awareness and practice in Morocco. Our findings highlight the urgency of targeted educational programs, underscoring that this study offers unique insights and crucial implications for the prevention of childhood obesity.