Introduction
Childhood overweight and obesity is a major public health issue, and its treatment, and management starts with identification of the problem. Currently in Australia, there is a lack of clarity with regard to responsibility for routine assessment of children’s weight status.
According to the National Health and Medical Research Council “Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Overweight and Obesity in Adults, Adolescents and Children in Australia” assessing weight status is recommended to be undertaken by health professionals during standard consultations with children. Research suggests this is not occurring in practice and little is known about health professionals’ perspectives on this routine assessment.
This study explored health professionals’ opinions about routine undertaking of primary school children’s weight status.
Methods
Twenty-six semi-structured interviews with health professionals who interact with children as a part of their professional role were undertaken in the area of Rockhampton in June-July 2016.
Findings
Health professionals recognise a need for change in practice in assessing primary school children’s weight status. A multi-level approach is necessary for addressing childhood overweight and obesity. There is a need for long-term commitment from the Governments to implement “ask and assess” and provide health services to address obesity, simple and consistent education across all primary health care and education settings as well as within communities.
Conclusion
Clarity is needed regarding responsibility for assessing primary school children’s weight status to effectively address childhood obesity.