A Psychosocial And Lifestyle Assessment For Childhood Obesity: A Scoping Literature Review And Focus Groups With Healthcare Professionals

Abstract

Background: Childhood obesity is a complex disease resulting from the interaction of multiple factors. The effective management of childhood obesity requires assessing the psychosocial and lifestyle factors that may play a role in the development and maintenance of obesity. The aim of this study was to add knowledge for further development of a psychosocial and lifestyle assessment for childhood obesity. Methods: Two methods were used. First, a scoping review (in PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, IBSS, Scopus and Web of Science) was performed by systematically searching for scientific literature on psychosocial and lifestyle assessments for childhood obesity. Data were analysed by extracting data in Microsoft Excel. Second, focus group discussions were held with healthcare professionals from a variety of disciplines and domains to explore their experiences and views about assessing psychosocial and lifestyle factors within the Dutch integrated care approach. Data were analysed using template analyses, complemented with open coding in MAXQDA.Results: The results provide an overview of relevant psychosocial and lifestyle factors that should be assessed and were classified as child, family, parental and lifestyle (e.g. nutrition, physical activity and sleep factors) and structured into psychological and social aspects. Insights into how to assess psychosocial and lifestyle factors were identified as well, including talking about psychosocial factors, lifestyle and weight; the professional-patient relationship; and attitudes of healthcare professionals. Conclusions: This study provides an overview of psychosocial and lifestyle factors that should be identified within the context of childhood obesity care, as they may contribute to the development and maintenance of obesity. The results highlight the importance of both what is assessed and how it is assessed. The results of this study can be used to develop practical tools for facilitating healthcare professionals in conducting a psychosocial and lifestyle assessment.

Training for coordinating professionals as part of Dutch integrated care for childhood overweight and obesity – a mixed-methods evaluation

“…The tasks of the CP are: conducting the assessment of psychosocial and lifestyle factors (13), coordinating the collaboration between a variety of professionals, supporting and motivating the child and family, monitoring progress and initiating follow-up steps. The CP likewise ensures collaboration between the social and healthcare domains -an important condition for success, especially in multi-problem circumstances of the families (14,15). Although professionals in a variety of disciplines can ful l the role of CP, the role is often ful lled by YHC nurses in the local youth healthcare (YHC) system (16,17).…”