Abstract
The current epidemic of overweight and obese children is a serious public health issue. Failure to identify children with excess weight and provide adequate weight management can potentially lead to serious long-term health complications. In New Zealand Body Mass Index is used by nurses in the Before School Check to assess the child's weight with respect to height, and assist in classifying children as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. This is a controversial measurement and the way in which the child's BMI is discussed by health professionals can affect the family's response to this issue. Therefore, it is imperative information is communicated sensitively. Currently, there is a paucity of understanding on parents' perception of the discussion of BMI.
In this pilot study five mothers whose child had received a B4SC attended a focus group which was conducted using the Nominal Group Technique. Parents were asked two questions, "What would be an appropriate way to discuss BMI and how could you feel more comfortable discussing this", and "What follow-up processes would you expect". In response to the first question, the five top rated core themes in order of importance were (1) having a relationship with the healthcare professional, (2) using good communication and appropriate language, (3) understanding what BMI is and B4SC purpose, (4) having a nutrition and lifestyle focus, and (5) not discussing in front of the child. The top five rated core themes in response to the second question were (1) expectation for nurses to use their judgement, (2) need for follow up consultations, (3) provision of wrap around support, (4) adequate addressment of nutrition and physical activity, and (5) awareness of the negative association with BMI follow-up.
These findings offer insight into parents' perceptions on how healthcare professionals can better tailor their communication of BMI-related concerns and their expectations for follow-up processes, presenting a number of potential focus areas for practice development.