GPs, families and children's perceptions of childhood obesity

• Published in: Obesity research & clinical practice Vol. 8; no. 2; pp. e140 - e148
• Main Authors: Jones, Kay M, Dixon, Maureen E, Dixon, John B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands 01-03-2014
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; Australia - epidemiology; Body Height; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Child; Child, Preschool; Endocrinology & Metabolism; European Continental Ancestry Group; Evidence-Based Practice; Female; General Practitioners; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Internal Medicine; Male; Middle Aged; Oceanic Ancestry Group; Parents - psychology; Pediatric Obesity - epidemiology; Pediatric Obesity - prevention & control; Pediatric Obesity - psychology; Physician's Role; Physician-Patient Relations; Practice Patterns, Physicians' - statistics & numerical data; Primary Health Care; Referral and Consultation - statistics & numerical data; Risk Reduction Behavior; Social Perception; Weight Reduction Programs; Australia; Perceptions; Lifestyle; Diet; Qualitative; Parents
• ISSN: 1871-403X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.orcp.2013.02.001

Summary Background Childhood obesity has a high risk of becoming a chronic disease requiring life-long weight management. Evidence based guidelines were developed and distributed to GPs throughout Australia by the NHMRC, but current application falls short. Measuring height and weight, and calculating BMI for children appears to be rare. Some general practitioners (GPs) perceive significant barriers to managing this patient cohort, and patients report not having confidence in their GPs. Aim To explore perceptions and experiences of treating childhood obesity of (i) GPs, (ii) families involved in a childhood obesity study in general practice’ and (iii) families not involved in the project, but who had concerns about childhood obesity. Methodology Supported by the literature, a semi-structured schedule was developed to address the aims. Ten GPs and eight families involved, and four families previously not involved in the project participated in interviews in 2009. All family interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Data were thematically analyzed. Findings Five themes emerged: (1) raising the topic, (2) frustrations experienced by GPs and families, (3) support available for GPs to provide to families and/or anticipated by families, (4) successes from involvement in the project and (5) sustaining improvements – the GPs’ and family's perspectives. Discussion and conclusion All acknowledged that childhood obesity is a sensitive issue with both GPs and parents preferring the other to raise the topic. GPs reported successes in practice and patient management such as improved patient records. For families, the GPs dedication and support were major factors sought.