DECREASING CHILDHOOD OBESITY AT A NEIGHBORHOOD CLINIC: A PILOT STUDY

Childhood obesity is a national health issue that affects approximately 13 million children in the U.S., and one that has been strongly correlated with an increased incidence of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and poor psychological health. Poor nutritional habits and low exercise patterns have been identified as two of the major causes. Hispanic/Latino children in particular have the highest prevalence of childhood obesity in this country (Gonzalez, 2016; Ochoa & Berge, 2017). The purpose of this DNP project was to study the effects of implementing a standardized childhood obesity educational program at a neighborhood pediatric clinic in the Los Angeles area, whose clients are primarily Hispanic/Latino. Institutional Review Board (IRB) full board approval was obtained for this crosssectional study. Inclusion criteria included children 7 to 12 years of age, who were classified as either overweight (BMI of 85 - 94%) or obese (BMI of 95% or higher). A standardized childhood obesity education program was instituted, with a phone follow-up one month out, and a return clinic visit two months out. The variables of interest were the child’s weight, BMI, dietary patterns, and exercise behaviors. A total of eight boys (57%) and six girls (43%) were recruited to participate in the study, with four children classified as overweight (29%) and 10 as obese (71%). A follow-up phone call was successfully performed for all of the participants; however, only 10/14 returned for their follow-up clinic visit. Paired t-tests were performed to evaluate the difference of BMI, iv height and weight before and after the education intervention. Changes in the children's weight and BMI were not statistically significant; however, reports of healthier lifestyle behaviors were obtained. Performing childhood obesity assessments can identify knowledge deficits as well as increase a family’s awareness about healthy lifestyle behaviors. The provision of childhood obesity education during well-child visits can be feasible in terms of time, with no added expense to the family. While it may be necessary to conduct a study like this over a longer period of time to see whether any significant improvements occur in terms of a child's weight and BMI, improvements in the child’s dietary and exercise behaviors occurred after just one educational intervention at this neighborhood pediatric clinic.