MON-LB004 Assessment of Resident Knowledge and Comfort in Addressing Pediatric Overweight and Obesity

Abstract

Introduction: Recent data estimate the prevalence of pediatric obesity at 18.5%. Emphasis on primary prevention and early identification is needed to avoid development of serious medical and psychosocial sequelae. Previous studies looking at resident education on childhood obesity identified deficits in instructional quality and lack of formal curricula among programs with a pediatric training component. Objective: To assess baseline objective knowledge and self-perceived knowledge and comfort among trainees at an inner city pediatric residency program in identifying children who are overweight/obese, evaluating for associated risk factors and comorbidities, and providing effective counseling. Methods: Key topics from 2 major guidelines on pediatric obesity assessment, prevention, and treatment were incorporated into the development of a resident questionnaire, which consisted of 12 knowledge-based questions and a Likert scale evaluating self-perceived knowledge and comfort level on 7 skills (1) (2). Questionnaires were distributed anonymously in a resident-run general pediatrics continuity practice and online. Results: 46% of eligible residents completed the questionnaire (n=28). The average score on the objective knowledge-based section was 45%, with no differences among the training years. Scores by topic ranged from 14% to 79%. The average self-perceived knowledge rating was 3.56 out of 5 (1 = not knowledgeable, 5 = very knowledgeable). Statistically significant differences were found across training years with respect to perceived knowledge in discussing the diagnosis of overweight/obesity (P=0.003), screening for contributing factors (P=0.032), and counseling on preventative measures/lifestyle modifications (P=0.04). The average self-perceived comfort rating was 3.54 out of 5 (1 = not comfortable, 5 = very comfortable), with no differences among the different skills by training year. Conclusions: Significant gaps in knowledge were discovered among pediatric residents across all training years with regards to appropriate screening, assessment, and counseling practices related to pediatric overweight/obesity. Interestingly, these deficits were not consistently reflected in residents’ self-perceived knowledge and comfort rating scores. The results of this study highlight the need for the incorporation of standardized curricula on childhood overweight/obesity into pediatric resident education.