Weight Management of Children by Physicians in Community Medical Clinics.

摘要

This study surveyed 20 practicing health care professionals [pediatricians, pediatric residents and medical students] who are currently treating children for medical problems in a local community medical clinic. This study examined the personal thoughts of the currently practicing physicians' to better understand their approach to the care of overweight and obese youths and how they perceive social workers assisting them in controlling the current epidemic of overweight children.;The clinic serves a population of children who come from low-income households. The study design was a qualitative, emergent design. This study highlighted gaps in health care treatment and service procedures that hinder overweight children from properly receiving the needed interventions for control of their weight.;This study clarified further, the role that both parents and the community at large can accept in helping overweight children live healthier lifestyles. Lastly and most importantly the study focused on the importance of education of children and parents' about how overweight exacerbates long term medical risk and how social workers can become active participants in the epidemic of childhood obesity.