Barriers and facilitators of obesity management in families of youth with emotional and behavioral disorders

• Published in: Journal of health psychology Vol. 22; no. 11; pp. 1469 - 1479
• Main Authors: Bourassa, Katelynn A, McKibbin, Christine L, Hartung, Cynthia M, Bartholomew, Kay L, Lee, Aaron A, Stevens, Anne E, Buxton, Yvette, Slosser, Andrea E, Andren, Katherine A Kitchen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01-09-2017; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Adolescent; Attitude to Health; Behavior; Caregivers; Child; Community mental health services; Emotional disorders; Emotions; Family - psychology; Female; Health facilities; Humans; Intervention; Male; Management; Mental disorders; Mental Disorders - complications; Mental health; Obesity; Obesity Management - methods; Pediatric Obesity - complications; Pediatric Obesity - psychology; Pediatric Obesity - therapy; Psychiatric symptoms; Qualitative Research; Social Support; Weight control; Youth; emotional and behavioral disorders; barriers; interventions; obesity; youth
• ISSN: 1359-1053; 1461-7277
• DOI: 10.1177/1359105316630136

While youth with emotional and behavioral disorders experience increased rates of obesity, few obesity interventions exist that are tailored to their needs. Qualitative methods were employed to elucidate obesity management practices in this population. In all, 56 participants (i.e. 21 youths with emotional and behavioral disorders, 20 caregivers of youth with emotional and behavioral disorders, and 15 mental health providers) were recruited from community mental health centers. Participants completed a demographic form and semi-structured interview regarding obesity-related behaviors. Barriers (e.g. psychiatric symptoms) and facilitators (e.g. social support) to obesity management were identified. These results highlight preferred intervention components for this unique population.