Massachusetts Pediatricians' Views Toward Body Mass Index Screening in Schools: Continued Controversy. (August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bottino, Clement J.; de Ferranti, Sarah D.; Meyers, Alan F.; Rhodes, Erinn T.
• Is Part Of: Clinical pediatrics. Volume 55:Number 9(2016)
• Page Start: 844
• Page End: 850
• Publication Date: 2016-08
• Subjects: school -- body mass index (BMI) -- screening -- Massachusetts -- pediatricians -- children; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1177/0009922815618487
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0009-9228

Abstract

Objective . Evaluate Massachusetts pediatricians' views toward school-based body mass index screening since its implementation. Methods . Survey of 286 members of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics on attitudes toward screening and perceived impact on clinical practice. Results . Overall, 36.3% supported screening, with suburban or rural pediatricians significantly less likely (vs urban) to indicate support. Less than 10% of pediatricians agreed or strongly agreed that screening improved communication with schools (4.2%), communication with families (8.9%), or helped them care for patients (7.0%), with suburban or rural pediatricians significantly less likely to agree. Most pediatricians reported contact from patients regarding screening (59.4%) and identifying concerns from patients regarding screening during office visits (60.4%), including bullying and self-esteem. Suburban or rural pediatricians were significantly more likely to report patient contact and concerns related to screening. Conclusions . Support for school-based body mass index screening is low among Massachusetts pediatricians, particularly among suburban and rural pediatricians.