L Stewart1, J Chapple, A R Hughes, V Poustie, J J Reilly. 1. Department of Paediatric Energy Metabolism, Division of Developmental Medicine, University of Glasgow, Yorkhill Hospitals, Glasgow, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Treatment for childhood obesity is characterized by nonattendance and widespread failure to achieve weight maintenance. The use of behavioural change methods is suggested for engaging families in changing lifestyles. Qualitative methods may improve understanding of patient perceptions, thus improving treatment. The present study aimed to explore the thoughts and feelings of parents whose children had undertaken dietetic consultations eitheremploying behavioural change techniques or delivered by dietitians with no formal training in these techniques. METHODS: The study used purposive sampling, interviewing 17 parents of children attending 6-month outpatient treatments for obesity (body mass index > 98 th percentile). Parent's perceptions of the dietetic treatment were explored by in-depth interviews and analysed using Framework methods. RESULTS:Parents who had taken part in the behavioural change techniques applauded the process, finding it child-friendly and talked of 'forming a partnership'. Conversely, standard care treatment was less well received. Developing a rapport with the dietitian was significant for the parents in their perception of a positive experience. CONCLUSIONS: The present study may help inform future treatments for childhood obesity by providing insights into the aspects of treatment and approaches applauded by parents. It highlights the possible value of use of behavioural change skills by dietitians to engage with families of obese children.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Treatment for childhood obesity is characterized by nonattendance and widespread failure to achieve weight maintenance. The use of behavioural change methods is suggested for engaging families in changing lifestyles. Qualitative methods may improve understanding of patient perceptions, thus improving treatment. The present study aimed to explore the thoughts and feelings of parents whose children had undertaken dietetic consultations either employing behavioural change techniques or delivered by dietitians with no formal training in these techniques. METHODS: The study used purposive sampling, interviewing 17 parents of children attending 6-month outpatient treatments for obesity (body mass index > 98 th percentile). Parent's perceptions of the dietetic treatment were explored by in-depth interviews and analysed using Framework methods. RESULTS: Parents who had taken part in the behavioural change techniques applauded the process, finding it child-friendly and talked of 'forming a partnership'. Conversely, standard care treatment was less well received. Developing a rapport with the dietitian was significant for the parents in their perception of a positive experience. CONCLUSIONS: The present study may help inform future treatments for childhood obesity by providing insights into the aspects of treatment and approaches applauded by parents. It highlights the possible value of use of behavioural change skills by dietitians to engage with families of obesechildren.
Authors: Emma Mead; Tamara Brown; Karen Rees; Liane B Azevedo; Victoria Whittaker; Dan Jones; Joan Olajide; Giulia M Mainardi; Eva Corpeleijn; Claire O'Malley; Elizabeth Beardsmore; Lena Al-Khudairy; Louise Baur; Maria-Inti Metzendorf; Alessandro Demaio; Louisa J Ells Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2017-06-22
Authors: Tamara R Cohen; Tom J Hazell; Catherine A Vanstone; Hugues Plourde; Celia J Rodd; Hope A Weiler Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2013-04-25 Impact factor: 3.295