The role of fathers in overweight prevention: an analysis of a Caribbean cohort.

Background: Family-based strategies to reduce the risk of overweight in childhood are needed in the Caribbean.

Aim: To investigate the associations between parental characteristics and risk of overweight and explore possible mechanisms.

Methods: Data from a parenting intervention were analysed. Parental characteristics were obtained by questionnaire at enrolment. At 18 months, 501 infants (82.9% of cohort) had weight and length measured using standardized methods. The association of parents' characteristics with risk of infant overweight was assessed using random-effects logistic regression. Four focus groups among mothers in Jamaica were conducted to explore mechanisms.

Results: Overall, 20.6% of infants were 'at risk of overweight'. Fathers were present in 52% of households. Fathers' presence [OR (95% CI) 0.60 (0.37-0.96)] was associated with reduced risk of overweight independent of socioeconomic status. Mothers reported that fathers encouraged healthier practices.

Conclusion: Fathers may be important agents of change in intervention strategies to prevent childhood overweight.