General Practitioners practice nurses and parents’ perspectives on childhood overweight management – a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity in children is a major health problem. General practice might be a promising setting for identifying and for the first steps in the management of overweight and obesity in children. OBJECTIVE: To explore opinions, needs and preferences about the role of general practice in the management of overweight and obesity in children from the perspectives of Dutch general practitioners (GPs), practice nurses (PNs) and parents of children with and without overweight. METHODS: A qualitative study using semi-structured focus group interviews. GPs and PNs were recruited from general practices from the region South-Western. Parents were mainly recruited via social media and primary schools. Twenty-five GPs, seven PNs and 18 parents were interviewed. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. RESULTS: GPs, PNs and parents agreed that it is the task of the GP to identify, address and refer children with overweight and obesity. However, GPs find it difficult to start this conversation due to time constraints; fear for the reaction of parents and children; lack of clarity about treatment and referral options. Parents indicated they are open to a conversation if the GP is non-judgmental, honest and respectful. PNs saw no role in managing overweight and obesity in children. CONCLUSION: Although GPs experience several barriers, GPs, PNs and parents all agreed that GPs should play a role in identifying, addressing and referring children with overweight and obesity. Supportive tools are required for GPs in order to play this role.