Perspectives of healthcare professionals on facilitators, barriers and needs in children with obesity and their parents in achieving a healthier lifestyle

• Main Authors: Naomi de Pooter (Author), Emma van den Eynde (Author), Hein Raat (Author), Jacob C. Seidell (Author), Erica L.T. van den Akker (Author), Jutka Halberstadt (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Elsevier, 2022-12-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Objective: To explore the perspectives of healthcare professionals (HCPs) within an integrated care approach on the facilitators, barriers and needs in children with obesity and their parents in achieving a healthier lifestyle. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eighteen HCPs working within a Dutch integrated care approach. The interviews were analyzed by performing a thematic content analysis. Results: Main facilitators identified by HCPs were support from parents and the social network. Main barriers were first and foremost family's lack of motivation, which was singled out as a precondition for starting the behavior change process. Other barriers were child's socio-emotional problems, parental personal problems, lack of parenting skills, parental lack of knowledge and skills regarding a healthier lifestyle, parental lack of problem awareness and HCP's negative attitude. To overcome these barriers, main needs that HCPs suggested were a tailored approach in healthcare and a supportive HCP. Conclusion: The HCPs identified the breadth and complexity of underlying factors of childhood obesity, of which the family's motivation was pointed out as a critical factor to address. Innovation: Understanding the patient's perspective is important for HCPs to provide the tailored care needed to address the complexity of childhood obesity.

Item Description

2772-6282
10.1016/j.pecinn.2022.100074