Barriers and Facilitators of Pediatric Weight Management Among Diverse Families. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brown, Lauren; Dolisca, Sarah-Bianca; Cheng, Jennifer K.
• Is Part Of: Clinical pediatrics. Volume 54:Number 7(2015)
• Page Start: 643
• Page End: 651
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: pediatric -- obesity -- barriers -- facilitators -- health-coaching -- qualitative research; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1177/0009922814555977
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0009-9228

Abstract

Objective . To describe barriers and facilitators relevant to pediatric weight management from the perspective of at-risk overweight children and families. Methods . Systematic thematic analysis of semistructured interviews with overweight children and families from diverse backgrounds at a large, urban academic pediatrics practice. Results . Twenty-five parents and their children ages 2 to 18 years with mean body mass index percentile of 96th% (standard deviation 4.3) participated. Fifty-six percent were Black; 40% were Hispanic/Other race. Perceived barriers to successful weight management included ( a ) inadequate resources (financial, time, access to programming, knowledge), ( b ) challenging social contexts (cultural practices and expectations, interpersonal dynamics), ( c ) negative emotional state (lack of confidence, defeat, loneliness), and ( d ) denial. Participants described linkages to resources, child–parent—provider partnerships, and consistent support as key elements in successful weight management. Participants also endorsed technology use for weight management support. Conclusions . Multiple barriers and facilitators affect weight management among at-risk families, which should be considered in future obesity interventions.