Paediatric teams in front of childhood obesity: A qualitative study within the STOP project

Abstract

IntroductionUnderstanding the underlying factors that influence the approach to overweight and obesity in children is basic to best support families searching a solution to this important public health problem. ObjectiveTo assess attitudes and feelings of paediatric staff in addressing overweight and childhood obesity to parents, exploring perceived barriers and facilitators, for an effective care. Participants and methodQualitative study by means of individual semi-structured questionnaires of paediatric staff (paediatricians and paediatrician nurses; n = 57; 68% female) of primary health care centres and hospitals in Mallorca. Thematic analysis was done. ResultsThree themes emerged from the data: “Parents’ attitude in childhood obesity” (sub-themes “The conscience of parents”, “The parents ask for help”), “Paediatric staff and childhood obesity” (sub-themes “Approaching to the problem: The interview with parents”, “Looking together for the solution”), and “System barriers” (sub-themes “Improving teamwork and health policy”, “Family participation in addressing childhood obesity”). ConclusionsPaediatric staffs know how to treat childhood obesity, but demand training on motivation. Effectivity on therapy of childhood obesity will be obtained after parents/carers recognize the problem and establish a trustful relationship with paediatric staff. The health system is still a barrier to the activity of paediatric personnel.