Provider perceptions of pediatric obesity management in clinical practice

Abstract

ABSTRACT The current study examined the association between barriers that primary care providers (PCPs) face in addressing pediatric obesity and current pediatric weight management practices. Seventy-six (77% female) PCPs in a midwestern children’s hospital system completed a survey of their current practices for obesity and barriers to addressing pediatric obesity. Regression analysis showed higher levels of barriers were associated with lower levels of current practices (β = –0.39, p = 0.001). Provider preferences of tools (e.g., handouts, trainings) for pediatric weight management are reported. Development of tools to aide intervention for pediatric weight management may be vital to optimal weight management intervention within primary care.