BMI Data Collection and Communication Practices in a Multistate Sample of Head Start Programs

Tovar, Alison; Miller, Benjamin A.; Stage, Virginia C.; Hoffman, Jessica A.; Guseman, Emily Hill; Sisson, Susan B.; Shefet, Dana; Bejamin-Neelon, Sara E; Swindle, Taren; Hasnin, Saima; Beltran, Marco

doi:10.1089/chi.2021.0199

Cited by 4 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 25 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…A lack of standardized data collection processes was reported to potentially influence the accuracy of BMI screening results, with errors in measurement and recording reported by the HNMs. Similar to Tovar et al (2022), HNMs in this study reported that caregivers were provided with a variety of referrals for additional clinical care from registered dietitians and primary care physicians, as well as community-based health education professionals and programs. However, in this study, HNMs stated that the responsibility for follow-through of BMI screening referrals was left up to the caregivers, which the HNMs perceived to be low.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 63%

“…This qualitative study provided insights into HS HNMs common experiences with the BMI measurement, reporting, and referral process where research has been limited. HNMs identified a need for more structured guidance, training, and process standardization for best practice and accurate measurements and reporting consistent with other research studies (Himes, 2009;Imoisili et al, 2021;Miller et al, 2021;Tovar et al, 2022). Based on the identified challenges in collecting height and weight data in HS children, HNMs also suggested including best practices such as utilizing dedicated personnel with specific expertise and training in BMI measurement to ensure the accuracy of data and reporting to caregivers (Himes, 2009;Miller et al, 2021).…”

Section: Recommendationsmentioning

confidence: 64%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Head Start Health and Nutrition Managers’ Perceptions of the Process of Measuring BMI and Communicating Preschooler’s Weight Status

et al. 2022

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Body mass index (BMI) screenings are conducted as part of Head Start’s (HS) health and nutrition assessments. Weight status classifications, which rely on the accuracy of the BMI measurements, are communicated to caregivers to engage them in health behavior change. Limited qualitative research has been conducted on the procedures for BMI measurement and reporting in HS programs. Interviews (n=28) were conducted with HS health/nutrition managers in Ohio and North Carolina to understand the processes used to conduct BMI screenings and disseminate reports and identify related needs. Themes included Personnel, Equipment, and Training for BMI Measurements; Classifying and Communicating BMI and Referrals; Professional Development Opportunities; and Resource, Training/Policy Needs to Support BMI Practices. Programs need additional resources to implement BMI measurement training and improve data accuracy and entry. Clarification of the referral/follow-up process and training around communicating with caregivers is also needed to better support families in implementing behavior change.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 63%

Section: Recommendationsmentioning

confidence: 64%

Head Start Health and Nutrition Managers’ Perceptions of the Process of Measuring BMI and Communicating Preschooler’s Weight Status

et al. 2022

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The literature points to intensity of engagement with families as a key factor in successful prevention and management interventions for young children (Ling et al, 2016; Nixon et al, 2012). Head Start staff reported a wide range of strategies for communicating BMI information to families; while also reporting a range of parental reactions (Tovar et al, 2021). With these administrative data, we were unable to determine the receptiveness of families or how staff communicated information.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Details about BMI measurement such as scale type are not available. Health data included in Head Start administrative sets have been questioned in terms of precision of the weight and height data collected, particularly when conducted by Head Start teachers and not a health professional, due to flexibility in measurement guidance by Head Start and variation in collection practices across programmes (Miller et al, 2021; Tovar et al, 2021). For instance, in a national survey of Head Start Health or Nutrition managers, only 25% of respondents reported using a scale that required calibration and 35% did not use a stadiometer (Tovar et al, 2021).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As part of its programming, Head Start collects BMI data within 45 days of the child entering the programme, then identifies and monitors children whose BMI percentiles are in the range of underweight, overweight or obese (Miller et al, 2021; Tovar et al, 2021). In addition to providing nutritious meals and physical activity in the programme, Head Start may also address the multi-faceted contributors to weight gain in young children.…”

Section: Head Start Nutrition and Weight Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Head Startprogramme participation and BMI change: Roles of family partnership and age of entry

Dahlin

Reich

2022

Health Education Journal

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Objective: To gain insight into the extent of body mass index (BMI) change during an academic year for children with overweight or obesity at entry to an early learning programme with nutrition and physical activity components ( Head Start). We explored whether meeting with families to discuss weight and nutrition and age of entry in the programme were associated with movement towards healthy weight via a reduction in BMI. Design: Quantitative analyses of administrative Head Start data of children aged 3–5 years old who entered the programme with a BMI labelled as overweight or obese. Setting: Children who participated in a Head Start early learning programme in the Southwest USA. Method: Descriptive analyses of BMI changes over the Head Start programme year. Ordinary least square regression analyses were run to explore whether a meeting with a family regarding their child’s weight and nutrition (i.e. a family service event) and age of entry predicted BMI change over the programme year. Results: Children with BMI labelled as overweight or obese, on average, reduced BMI over the academic year. Unexpectedly, having a family service event was related to an increase in BMI over the school year. Earlier age of entry predicted reduced BMI over the programme year. Conclusion: Head Start programming appears well suited to support decreases in prevalence of childhood obesity and that earlier entry was better. A meeting with families regarding their child’s weight and nutrition predicted an increase in BMI, though several factors indicated the need for more nuanced research on the types and intensity of these events.

show abstract

Communicating With Head Start Families About Children's Weight Status: A Phenomenological Approach

Shefet

Miller²,

Nicely³

et al. 2022

Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

BMI Data Collection and Communication Practices in a Multistate Sample of Head Start Programs

Cited by 4 publications

References 25 publications

Head Start Health and Nutrition Managers’ Perceptions of the Process of Measuring BMI and Communicating Preschooler’s Weight Status

Head Start Health and Nutrition Managers’ Perceptions of the Process of Measuring BMI and Communicating Preschooler’s Weight Status

Head Startprogramme participation and BMI change: Roles of family partnership and age of entry

Communicating With Head Start Families About Children's Weight Status: A Phenomenological Approach

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About