Challenges, Skills and Training Needs of Nurses in Managing Paediatric Obesity in Primary Care Settings

ABSTRACT

Aim

To explore the perceptions of primary care nurses regarding their skills and the challenges they face in managing paediatric obesity.

Design

Qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

Data were collected between May 2022 and March 2024 from focus groups with primary care nurses (n = 25) and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes emerged from the data. ‘Nurses’ beliefs, skills and tools to manage pediatric obesity’ highlights the skills and limitations nurses encounter in their practice, their views on the causes of this condition, and how they assess families' motivation. The second theme, ‘Nurse-family-child communication’ describes the communication strategies nurses employ when interacting with motivated and unmotivated families. The third theme, ‘The impact of nursing interventions on family behavior’ highlights the limited results behavioural changes observed in families following interventions. The fourth theme, ‘Nurses' reactions to the treatment of pediatric obesity’ reflects the negative feelings nurses experience in managing paediatric obesity.

Conclusion

This study identifies significant challenges for nurses in addressing paediatric obesity, particularly in communication and engagement with unmotivated families, which might stem from a lack of tools. Furthermore, it recognises the emotional responses of nurses when tackling obesity.

Implications for the Profession

This study highlights the needs related to nurses' communication skills. It is recommended to implement training courses focused on this topic.

Reporting Method

Adherence to COREQ guidelines was maintained.

Patient or Public Contribution

There was no patient or public contribution.