Medical staff perceptions regarding pediatric weight management from a low-income community health clinic
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Lauren R. Sastre (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Lauren Haldeman
Abstract: Childhood obesity rates have tripled over the last thirty years and currently one in three children are overweight or obese. Primary care providers identify and provide counseling to parents with overweight and obese children. There is evidence that primary care providers advice is strongly variable, counseling is met by many barriers, and that few providers are familiar with recommended professional guidelines for prevention and treatment of obesity. Additionally, large disparities in pediatric obesity exist, especially within particular minority groups and little is known regarding the perceptions, barriers and strategies of providers working with these groups. In this study medical providers from a diverse, low-income community health clinic (n=32) were interviewed regarding their perceptions, barriers, and strategies in weight management discussions. This sample included: pediatricians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, certified medical assistants, certified nursing assistants, as well as registered dietitians. Semi-structured interviews were performed in site during working hours, were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Inductive content analysis and open coding were used to analyze transcriptions and identify themes. Themes were identified as weak, consistent or strong. Medical providers in this sample reported being very comfortable discussing weight and initiated conversations by the age of two. A variety of tools were used to initiate conversations and included: growth charts, family history, risk factors, and open-ended questions. Most providers counseling focused on physical activity, some on nutrition and specific advice was found to vary between each provider. Providers rarely observed patient lifestyle changes. The strongest perceived barrier to counseling reported were parents/families with time and culture/language also reported as barriers, however parents were also reported as the strongest influence on patient behaviors. In conclusion, parents may prevent or support counseling efforts and success of weight management by primary care providers.
Medical staff perceptions regarding pediatric weight management from a low-income community health clinic
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Created on 8/1/2012
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Language: English
- Date: 2012
- Keywords
- Community, Low-income, Obesity, Pediatric, Perceptions, Physicians
- Subjects
- Obesity in children
- Medical personnel $z North Carolina $x Attitudes
- Medical personnel and patient $z North Carolina
- Pediatrics $x Social aspects