Shefet D, Miller ME, Nicely S, Powell SB, Stage VC. Communicating With Head Start Families About Children's Weight Status: A Phenomenological Approach.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2022;
54:1076-1085. [PMID:
36496229 DOI:
10.1016/j.jneb.2022.09.001]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
To support the early identification of childhood obesity, Head Start (HS) implemented a body mass index screening program. This program provides opportunities for HS to communicate with families about children's weight status. Limited research is available describing the methods used to communicate this information.
OBJECTIVE
Explore common experiences of HS health/nutrition managers (HNM) when communicating information to families about children's weight status.
STUDY DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS
Twenty-eight in-depth telephone interviews with HNM across North Carolina (n = 15) and Ohio (n = 13).
STUDY DESIGN/ANALYSIS
Phenomenology guided the study design and analysis. The themes focused on HNM's lived experiences with their body mass index screening program. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim.
RESULTS
Four emergent themes identified: (1) strategies for communicating weight status to families; (2) family response to communication strategies; (3) educational, staff support, and counseling opportunities for families; and (4) challenges engaging families in childhood obesity prevention efforts.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
Head Start programs acknowledged the importance of communicating children's weight status; however, there are inconsistencies in methods used and information communicated across programs. Head Start programs have community partners who support obesity prevention efforts; however, these partnerships may be underused. More research is needed to explore effective and sensitive communication methods for HS families regarding children's weight status.
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