scholarly journals Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions of Childhood Obesity in Iquitos, Peru: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo F. Lai ◽  
Joanne Clarke ◽  
Gilles Wildt ◽  
Graciela Meza ◽  
Miriam A. Addo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Obesity Prevention ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Child Growth ◽  
Parental Factors ◽  
Regular Monitoring ◽  
Obesity Trends ◽  
Level Of Concern ◽  
Obesity Prevention And Management

Abstract Background: Childhood obesity is an urgent worldwide concern associated with increased morbidity in adulthood. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are well placed to influence childhood obesity trends and implement interventions. English-language studies regarding HCPs’ perceptions of childhood obesity are limited to high-income countries. Peru is an upper-middle-income country with regional disparities in childhood obesity prevalence. This qualitative study aims to explore HCPs’ perceptions of childhood obesity in Iquitos, Peru, where prevalence is relatively low.Methods: Twenty-one HCPs with child healthcare experience were purposively recruited from two primary healthcare centres. Semi-structured, individual interviews were conducted with a translator and audio recorded. Transcribed data were analysed using thematic analysis.Results: Eight themes were identified and divided into four categories: (1) HCPs’ perceptions and attitudes towards childhood obesity (level of concern regarding childhood obesity, perceived consequences of childhood obesity); (2) Factors which HCPs perceive to be important in the development of childhood obesity (parental factors, contextual factors); (3) HCPs’ perceptions of their role in childhood obesity prevention and management (educating parents about childhood obesity, regular monitoring of child growth); and (4) Barriers and facilitators in childhood obesity prevention and management (in healthcare, in schools). Conclusions: HCPs had a low level of concern regarding childhood obesity in Iquitos and prioritised undernutrition. Parental factors were perceived to be the most influential in the development of childhood obesity. HCPs perceived themselves to have minimal influence due to prevailing positive views of excess weight and difficulties engaging parents. Educating parents about childhood obesity was felt to be essential to prevention and management although regular monitoring of child growth and home healthcare visits were viewed as useful additional measures. This study can help to inform the development of targeted public health strategies which are sensitive to local contexts and could prevent the upward childhood obesity trends evident elsewhere in Peru.

scholarly journals 736 Current Management Strategies, Perceptions, and Attitudes of the Paediatricians on Childhood Obesity: An Experience from the Middle East

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Al-Saadi ◽  
A. Al Kamzari ◽  
H Malallah ◽  
N AlSheala ◽  
J Al-Saadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Obesity Prevention ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Dietary Advice ◽  
Related Complication ◽  
Childhood Obesity Prevention ◽  
History Of ◽  
History Of Obesity ◽  
Obesity Prevention And Management

Abstract Background Childhood obesity is a public health concern that in expanding globally. Of those aged between 5-19 years in Oman, 32% were found to be overweight in 2016. Method An electronic survey was distributed to in-training and post residency paediatricians in Oman. Results A total of 69 responses met the inclusion criteria and were analysed. 50% of participants were less than 30 years-old (53.6% female). 70% were in training residency (R1, R2 24.6%, R3, R4 36.2%,) and 30% were post residency. 72% had their training in Oman. About half of participants measure child’s weight and Height, however, only 24.4% document BMI and compare with previous records. 75% regularly obtain family history of obesity and related conditions along with dietary intake. More than half of participants were not confident on discussing weight and related complication with the child, but 62.3 % were confident in discussing it with the parents. 50% were confident in initiating treatment for childhood obesity and providing dietary advice. Attitudes towards exposure to childhood obesity and management varied and overall excellent exposure accounted for less than one third of responses (Medical school 21.7%, Residency 26.1%, 27.5%). In general, only 20.6% believe they are confident in managing childhood obesity and only 29% attended seminar or training on childhood obesity. 93% believe there is a need for a more focused training on childhood obesity prevention and management. Conclusions Great efforts need to be targeted towards strengthening Paediatricians’ confidence in childhood obesity prevention and management via in residency-training and continuous professional development.

Sustainable Childhood Obesity Prevention Through Community Engagement (SCOPE): A Qualitative Study

2012 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. S69
Author(s):  
Bonnie Mcintosh ◽  
Amelia Daly ◽  
Louise Masse ◽  
Joan Wharf Higgins ◽  
Patti-Jean Naylor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Community Engagement ◽  
Obesity Prevention ◽  
Childhood Obesity Prevention

scholarly journals A qualitative study of providers’ perceptions of parental feeding practices of infants and toddlers to prevent childhood obesity

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca L. Heller ◽  
Jesse D. Chiero ◽  
Nancy Trout ◽  
Amy R. Mobley
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Obesity Prevention ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Infants And Toddlers ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Child Feeding

Abstract Background With a recent focus on establishing US Dietary Guidance for children ages 0 to 2 years old, the objective of this qualitative study was to determine misconceptions and barriers that prevent parents from implementing early childhood feeding and obesity prevention practices as reported by healthcare, community-based, and education providers. Methods Trained researchers conducted one-on-one qualitative phone interviews, using a semi-structured script, with early childhood health and education providers working with families of young children. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using the classic analysis approach. Transcripts were coded by researchers and analyzed for themes. Results Providers (n = 21) reported commonly observed obesogenic practices including overfeeding tendencies, early initiation of solids or less optimal feeding practices, lack of autonomy and self-regulation by child, and suboptimal dietary patterns. Sources of parental misconceptions about feeding were often related to cultural, familial, and media influences, or lack of knowledge about optimal feeding practices for infants or toddlers. Conclusions Providers indicated a need for engaging and consistent child feeding and obesity prevention education materials appropriate for diverse cultural and literacy levels of parents, with detailed information on transitioning to solid foods. Early education and community-based providers reported limited access to evidence-based educational materials more so than healthcare providers. It is an opportune time to develop reputable and evidence-based child feeding guidance that is readily available and accessible for parents of infants and toddlers to prevent early childhood obesity.

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