Factors Influencing Snacking Practices of Pre-schoolers in Bangkok, Thailand: A Qualitative Study

Background: The National Health Examination Survey 2014 revealed 11.3% of children aged 1-5 years in Thailand were overweight and obese. Few studies explored sociocultural factors that creates obesogenic environment. This study aims to understand the mechanisms of factors influencing childhood obesity. Methods: : A qualitative inductive approach was employed for data collection designed to capture the temporal and spatial specificity of snacking. Participant observation and informal interviews were data collection methods. Three kindergartens used by families of varying socio-economic status, and the homes of 18 pre-schoolers attending these kindergartens were settings of this study. Results: : Channels where children could obtain snacks included routine snacks at kindergarten, snacks that children can bring from home to eat and share with peers, and snacks that children can buy on the way to/from homes. Other factors influenced their consumption included the child’s characters, family rituals, and snack money. Values influencing snacking practices were ‘snacks as a treat or as reward’ and ‘snack is a treat, let the child make a choice’. Conclusions: : Social values were significant sociocultural factors promoting childhood obesity and study of sociocultural factors are as important as economic factors and are equally needed for understanding of childhood obesity problem. This type of study help supports the design of intervention to tackle the problem.