Abstract
Background: Few studies have examined both parent and child preferences regarding family-based weight management programs (WMPs) delivered in primary care settings, especially among racial minority populations. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions that parents and their children/adolescents have about the components that should be included in a family-based WMP and to identify perceived preferences, benefits, and/or barriers to participation.Methods: A sample of 60 participants (30 parents and 30 children/adolescents) participated in 1 of 5 separate structured focus groups, using probing questions and the nominal group technique (NGT). Parents reported demographics for themselves and their children/adolescents. Themes from probing questions were identified using thematic analysis.Results: Parents were primarily African American (93%) and diverse in income. NGT sessions revealed that parents across all groups perceived that education on healthy eating, parental involvement, and effective program leaders are most important and have the greatest impact, while parental involvement was perceived as the easiest method to implement in a family-based WMP for childhood obesity. Children/adolescents perceived that education on healthy eating and exercise would have the greatest impact, while healthy eating and meal plans were perceived as the easiest methods to implement with a family. Parents and children/adolescents also identified improved psychological well-being (eg, decreased bullying, increased self-esteem, and motivation) as a desired program outcome.Conclusion: Parents and their children/adolescents highlighted the importance of physical and psychological health as targets in treatment. Feedback from patients can inform the design and implementation of family-based WMPs delivered in primary care settings.
Highlights
Almost 1 in 5 youth (18.5%) struggles with obesity,[1,2] and 9.5% of adolescents have severe obesity.[3]
The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions parents and their children/adolescents have about the components that should be included in a family-based weight management programs (WMPs) in a primary care setting and to identify perceived preferences, benefits, and/or barriers to participation
The final list for the prioritization exercise consisted of 10 responses that were organized under 4 themes identified during the iterative process: educate on healthy vs unhealthy eating, parental involvement, effective program leaders, and incentives
Summary
Almost 1 in 5 youth (18.5%) struggles with obesity,[1,2] and 9.5% of adolescents have severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] ࣙ120% of the 95th percentile, or ࣙ35 kg/m2).[3]. Primary care providers (PCPs) are tasked with periodic screening of children’s health and growth, and as a result, PCPs play a vital role in recognizing and addressing childhood obesity, a condition associated with substantial health and economic burdens.[8,9,10,11] As of 2011, active participation from PCPs in assessing or managing children with overweight or obesity in primary care clinics was low,[11] even though pediatricians can identify children with obesity.[12] equipping PCPs with effective prevention and treatment tools to address childhood obesity that can be implemented is essential. Few studies have examined both parent and child preferences regarding family-based weight management programs (WMPs) delivered in primary care settings, especially among racial minority populations. NGT sessions revealed that parents across all groups perceived that education on healthy eating, parental involvement, and effective program leaders are most important and have the greatest impact, while parental involvement was perceived as the easiest method to implement in a family-based WMP for childhood obesity. Feedback from patients can inform the design and implementation of family-based WMPs delivered in primary care settings
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
