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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 30(1)

What do parents think about child’s routine height and weight measures? A qualitative study

Slavica Krstic A * , Sarah Dennis A B C , Faye Southcombe A and Elizabeth Denney-Wilson D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW 2070, Australia.

B Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia.

C Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool NSW 2170, Australia.

D Sydney School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia.

* Correspondence to: Slavica.krstic@health.nsw.gov.au

Australian Journal of Primary Health 30, PY23017 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY23017
Submitted: 16 February 2023  Accepted: 9 January 2024  Published: 9 February 2024

© 2024 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of La Trobe University

Abstract

Background

Routine height and weight screening of children accessing health services in South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) was implemented to address childhood obesity. This qualitative study aims to explore the views of parents/carers regarding the role of healthcare professionals (HCPs) in measuring their child and raising the issue of weight when accessing health services.

Methods

A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was performed. Parents/carers of children who had their height and weight measured at a SWSLHD facility were invited to participate. Purposive sampling was used to select parents/carers of children from different body mass index (BMI) categories and different health settings. Interviews were digitally audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The de-identified data were coded and analysed thematically using NVivo.

Results

A total of 24 semi-structured interviews were conducted. Of these, 14 were of parents/carers of children who were outside the healthy weight range. Three main themes were identified: parental perception of their child’s weight, parental expectations, and parental challenges. We found that many parents/carers were unaware of their child’s weight status and often underestimated it. Many were open to receiving advice and resources as long as it was addressed professionally and respectfully.

Conclusions

Contrary to the views of some health professionals, parents/carers want to know their child’s weight status. They valued the information and advice provided by well-trained clinicians who are confident to raise the issue of weight with parents/carers.

Keywords: adolescent, child, experiences, obesity, overweight, paediatric, parent, screening.

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