An Assessment of Nurse Practitioners' Knowledge in Managing Childhood Obesity in the Primary Care Setting

Abstract

Despite the numerous recommendations for care, childhood obesity continues to be a growing problem in the United States. Approximately one third of the United States population of children ages 2–17 is now considered overweight or obese (American Heart Association, 2014a). The obesity epidemic in children can lead to greater health risks and concerns when entering adulthood. Primary care providers were previously identified as key personnel that could identify and treat overweight and obese children during opportunities, such as well child visits. In addition, several studies have been published providing key recommendations for the diagnosis and management of childhood obesity. One such study, in association with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), created the 2007 AAP Expert Committee Recommendations for childhood obesity management. Despite the publishing of these recommendations, providers have not consistently utilized their opportunities to diagnose and treat overweight or obese children. There have been many barriers and concerns identified by studies looking at provider practices and inconsistencies including provider lack of comfort in diagnosing obesity, lack of training in obesity treatment options, lack of training in motivational interviewing, lack of familial/patient readiness for change, and lack of time available to properly assess and treat the child. With those barriers and inconsistencies in mind, it is concerning that Arizona’s childhood obesity rates have continued to rise. Thus, this survey was designed to review Arizona Nurse Practitioners knowledge and practices regarding the diagnosis and management of childhood obesity as they related to the 2007 AAP Expert Committee Recommendations for childhood obesity management and determine how they compare to previous studies completed on provider barriers and practices. Based upon the data received with this study, Arizona nurse practitioners are also inconsistent in their knowledge and practices regarding childhood obesity management.