Pediatric Nurses' Perceptions,Attitudes,and Knowledge of Childhood Obesity at an Academic Medical Center

Abstract

Background:

The prevalence of childhood obesity is rapidly increasing. There has been little research regarding inpatient pediatric nurses' perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge of childhood obesity. The aim of this study is to evaluate nurses' perceptions, attitudes and knowledge toward childhood obesity, as well as to evaluate what nurses perceive as the barriers to teaching patients about obesity.

Methods:

A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted with a purposive convenient sample of registered nurses working on a pediatric unit at an urban medical center in Washington DC. An investigator-developed survey was used to collect data about nurses' perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge of childhood obesity.

Results:

Overall, about 97% of the sample reported taking care of obese patients on their pediatric units. The majority of the respondents, however, reported that they were only somewhat prepared to educate patients and families about obesity. Additionally, less than half of respondents reported providing education about weight-related issues to their patients. Many barriers to providing obesity education were reported, including lack of time, lack of educational materials, and lack of knowledge on the nurse's part concerning obesity.

Implications:

The results of this study demonstrate that the majority of nurses surveyed lack sufficient knowledge about obesity, as well as confidence regarding their role in educating patients about obesity. As the rates of childhood obesity rapidly rise, it is a necessity that all nurses receive the proper education to educate patients and families effectively about childhood obesity and contribute to obesity prevention and treatment.