Year: 2015
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Childhood obesity poses serious health problems, many of which have life-longrepercussions. A major gap in current knowledge relates to caregivers perceptions about the roleof the dental team in the provision of weight-related counseling. Our aim was to address thisquestion by obtaining in-depth information regarding caregiver’s perceptions about the role ofthe pediatric dental team in healthy weight-related counseling.Methods: This qualitative investigation used semi-structured, face-to-face, 45-minute interviewsof English-speaking caregivers of children ages 4-6 who were receiving routine dentalcare in a dental school-based clinic. Interviews were transcribed and coded using standardizedmethodologies for qualitative research. The analytical approach was thematic and iterative,using ATLAS/ti data analysis software. Interviews were conducted until theoretical saturationwas obtained.Results: Theoretical saturation was obtained at 15 interviews, with two central themes emerging.Caregivers were 1) highly receptive to and expected the dental team to provide cariesrelatednutrition counseling and 2) generally receptive to healthy-weight counseling, while emphasizingthat rapport/compassion would be key for effective communication.Conclusions: Previous investigations have shown that pediatric dentists have concerns thatthey may offend caregivers by broaching the topic of weight-related counseling. In this pilotstudy, we found caregivers expressed respect for the dental team’s knowledge of weight andvalued a compassionate approach in the context of an established rapport. The pediatric dentalteam has an opportunity to address childhood obesity through routine screening/assessment andthe provision of nutrition-related counseling.
Source: Dentistry - Open Journal
DOI: 10.17140/doj-2-110
Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Language: English
Topic: Obesity and Health Practices
Subfield: Pharmacy
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2607445251