Related Experiment Videos
Pediatricians' perceptions and practices regarding childhood obesity
J H Price1, S M Desmond, E S Ruppert
1Department of Health Promotion & Human performance, University of Toledo, Ohio.
Insights
Pediatricians recognize the importance of addressing childhood obesity but find designing and delivering weight loss interventions challenging. They recommend various strategies like dietary changes and exercise, yet feel ill-equipped and unrewarded by this aspect of care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern with long-term health implications.
- Pediatricians play a crucial role in identifying and managing childhood obesity.
- Understanding pediatricians' perspectives is vital for improving obesity interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine pediatricians' perceptions and practices regarding childhood obesity.
- To identify perceived barriers and facilitators in managing pediatric obesity.
- To assess recommended weight management strategies and information sources.
Main Methods:
- A national random sample of 500 pediatricians completed a 42-item Likert scale questionnaire.
- The survey assessed beliefs about physician obligation, role modeling, and competence in obesity management.
- Data on recommended interventions and information sources were collected.
Main Results:
- Most pediatricians believe they should counsel parents on obesity risks (83%) and be role models (59%).
- A majority find designing weight loss programs difficult (70%) and lack confidence in prescribing them (22%).
- Commonly recommended interventions include dietary changes (84%), dietitian referrals (78%), and exercise (60%).
Conclusions:
- While pediatricians acknowledge their role in childhood obesity, significant challenges exist in implementing effective weight management strategies.
- There is a need for enhanced training and support for pediatricians to improve their confidence and skills in addressing pediatric obesity.
- Current practices indicate a reliance on established methods like dietary modification and referrals.
Abstract:
A 42-item Likert format questionnaire examining pediatricians' perceptions and practices concerning childhood obesity was distributed to a national random sample of 500 physicians. The overall response rate was 68%. The majority of pediatricians believed physicians are obligated to counsel parents of obese children regarding the health risks of obesity (83%), that normal weight is important to the health of children (67%), and that physicians should be role models by maintaining their normal weight (59%). However, 70% of these pediatricians believed designing programs and counseling children about weight loss was difficult, 22% felt competent in prescribing weight loss programs for children, and only 11% agreed that counseling children and parents on weight loss is professionally gratifying. At least one-half of the respondents recommended the following weight loss programs/techniques to their patients: (1) decreasing caloric consumption (84%), (2) seeing a dietitian/nutritionist (78%), (3) joining Weight Watchers (66%), (4) aerobic exercise (60%), and (5) behavior modification programs (55%). These pediatricians received most of their weight control information from medical journals (70%) and past experience (68%). We also assessed belief and attitudes concerning the effect of childhood obesity, the role obesity plays in selected diseases, and the etiology of childhood obesity.