Does Obesity Education Have a Role in the Emergency Department?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of the emergency department (ED) as a place for obesity education and to evaluate its impact on lifestyle modification. In this study, children from 8-18 years of age and their parents who present to the ED for non-urgent reasons were enrolled. We recorded demographics and BMI of children. Based on BMI of enrolled children we classified them into normal, overweight and obese group. First we assessed their parents’ perception by asking whether they believed if their child was at an appropriate weight, if they exercised enough and overall eating habits. Then we showed a brief audio-video presentation, (http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/fit/fit_kid.html#) to provide educational information on age appropriate diet and exercise. Following this we asked their opinion regarding ED as a place to receive obesity education and whether they plan to make any changes in diet and exercise. We surveyed 100 parents and their children. The mean age of the children was 14 years (8-18 year) and mean BMI of children was 25.6 (75.5). Of these, 76 were Hispanic and 21 were African American. In the Hispanic child population, 30 (39.5%) had age appropriate weight, 17 (22.4%) were overweight and 28 (36.8%) were obese. Among 21 African American children, 4 (19.1%) were overweight and 9 (42.9%) were obese (p=0.57). When asked about their children's fitness 15 (71.4%) of the African American parents felt that their children were adequately fit and 6(28.6%) felt their children had above average fitness. In the Hispanic parent population 55 (72.4%) felt that their children were averagely fit, 10 (13.2%) felt above average, and 11 (14.5%) felt their children were below average, (p=0.12). In the Hispanic parent population 24 (31.6%) felt that their child had a below average healthy diet, 48 (63.2%) reported their child as having an average healthy diet and 4 (5.3%) had an above average healthy diet. Among the African American parents, 7 (33.3%) felt that their child had a below average healthy diet, 10 (47.6%) had an average healthy diet and 4 (19.1%) had an above average healthy diet, (p=0.11). In the parent population, 97 (97%) felt the ED should be used to provide obesity information. They also found this information useful and beneficial. Ninety-four (94%) parents planned to make changes to their children's diet and exercise. In the child population, 93 (93%) felt they learned something new about nutrition and exercise and planned to change their diet, while 89 (89%) indicated they planned to exercise more. This study suggests, if given the opportunity, parents and their children are amenable to making lifestyle changes leading to a healthier lifestyle and preventing obesity. This study also highlights the desire for more educational tools and means of accessing this information by the community. The ED may have a primary role in introducing and instructing patients about these lifestyle changes.