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Preventing and treating obesity: pediatricians' self-efficacy, barriers, resources, and advocacy.

Authors :
Perrin EM
Flower KB
Garrett J
Ammerman AS
Source :
Ambulatory pediatrics : the official journal of the Ambulatory Pediatric Association [Ambul Pediatr] 2005 May-Jun; Vol. 5 (3), pp. 150-6.
Publication Year :
2005

Abstract

Objective: With respect to obesity prevention and treatment, to determine pediatricians' 1) treatment self-efficacy; 2) perceived barriers and relationships to management self-efficacy; 3) desired resources; and 4) willingness to be involved in advocacy.<br />Methodology: A cross-sectional, self-administered mail survey queried members of the North Carolina Pediatrics Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics who were practicing routine care.<br />Results: The adjusted response rate was 71% (n = 356). Only 12% of respondents reported high self-efficacy in obesity management, yet 39% believed that physicians could potentially be effective. The most frequently encountered barriers to obesity management included availability of fast food (97%) and soft drinks (95%). However, some practice-based barriers were most strongly associated with self-efficacy. Odds of high self-efficacy were lower for respondents who reported lack of non-MD staff reimbursement (odds ratio [OR] = 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.58, 0.92), lack of on-site dietitian (OR = 0.65; 95% CI = 0.50, 0.83), or lack of patient educational materials (OR = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.50, 0.89), compared with those who reported encountering these barriers infrequently. Respondents chose better counseling tools (96%) as the most helpful clinical resource for obesity management. Most (89%) were willing to take at least a small role in advocacy efforts.<br />Conclusions: Most pediatricians reported feeling ineffective in their ability to treat obesity. Some practice-based barriers were specifically associated with low self-efficacy. However, pediatricians welcomed multiple clinical resources for obesity management and expressed willingness to advocate for policy change. Practice-based tool kits and efforts to engage willing participants in advocacy may help pediatricians combat this epidemic.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1530-1567
Volume :
5
Issue :
3
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Ambulatory pediatrics : the official journal of the Ambulatory Pediatric Association
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
15913408
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1367/A04-104R.1