College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

Summer 8-25-2019

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Elizabeth Aquino, PhD, RN

Abstract

Pediatric obesity has reached an epidemic status. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of overweight and obese patients, as well as how often and how accurately a diagnosis was coded. The population for this study included children ages 3-18. This cohort presented to retail health clinics in a large urban health system for school or sports physicals from June 1, 2017 to November 30, 2017. Method. A retrospective chart review was conducted. Statistical analysis was performed to determine if there was a relationship between obesity and age, ethnicity, race, and gender. Results. The study identified 15.9% of patients were overweight and 16.5% were obese. In practice, <1% of patients had a formal diagnosis of overweight or obese; <1% had screening measures reflecting nutrition and physical activity. Conclusion. Strategies are needed to improve efforts to diagnose and manage overweight and obese pediatric patients. Organizational recommendations for change are suggested based on guidelines for childhood obesity.

SLP Collection

yes

Included in

Nursing Commons

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