Impact of a brief training on motivational interviewing and the 5A's approach on weight-related counseling practices of pediatricians

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Jean Welsh, Emory University; Samantha J. Lange, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta; Janet Figueroa, Emory University; Stephanie Walsh, Emory University; Holly Gooding, Emory University; Patricia Cheung, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2022-08-01
• Publisher: The Obesity Society
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2022 The Authors. Obesity Science & Practice published by World Obesity and The Obesity Society and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/osp4.588
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Obesity Science and Practice
• Volume: 8
• Issue: 4
• Start Page: 466
• End Page: 473
• Keywords: 5As; motivational interviewing; counseling; pediatric; obesity
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Public Health; Health Sciences, Nutrition

Abstract

Background: Pediatric primary healthcare providers are well-positioned to provide healthy lifestyle and weight management related counseling but many lack training in evidence-based messages and methods. Objectives: We assessed the impact of a brief, easy-to-access training for pediatric healthcare providers, (the Strong4Life Provider Training), designed to introduce/review current evidence-based messages and methods and improve healthy weight-related assessment and counseling practices. Methods: Following their well-child visit, a convenience sample of children 12–17 years and parents of children 6–11 years (N = 121) of randomly selected Strong4Life trained (N = 15) and untrained (N = 15) pediatricians were administered a survey designed to assess the frequency, content, and patient satisfaction with weight management-related counseling provided. Results from parents and patients of trained pediatricians (N = 62) compared to those from parents and patients of untrained pediatricians (n = 59) were compared using chi-square tests. Generalized estimating equations were used to account for lack of independence among respondents from the same practice. P-values less than 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results: Parents/patients of trained pediatricians were more likely than those of an untrained pediatrician to report having been asked about child's consumption of fruit/vegetables, 57 (92%) versus 44 (75%), p = 0.04 and sugary drinks, 50 (81%) versus 29 (49%), p = 0.005, and their readiness for behavior change, 47 (76%) versus 29 (49%), p = 0.005, and to set a behavior change goal, 36 (59%) versus. 23 (40%), p = 0.005. Regardless of training status, physical activity, screen time, and weight status were assessed for most patients, and most were satisfied with the discussion. Few (21%) were asked about barriers to behavior change.