Childhood Obesity Conference: A Scholarly Activity in Nursing Practice

Overview

Conferences are an important tool for nurses to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in their field, develop new skills, network with other professionals, and gain new perspectives. I attended 2022 obesity week virtually on November 2022 and the theme of the event was the repercussions of Covid 19 on obesity. It was mainly targeted on public health practitioners, researchers and policy makers. The meeting was so beneficial as it provided me access to the latest research and clinical practices related to obesity, as well as opportunities to network with colleagues and experts in the field.

Problem

Obesity among children is a serious health concern that requires intervention. Obesity in children and adolescents aged 2-19 years in the U.S was 19.7% in 2020-2021 (CDC, 2022). Childhood obesity has several negative health consequences, both in the short term and long term such as heart disease and breathing problems. Additionally, obese children are more likely to be subjected to social and mental problems such as bullying, depression, and low self-esteem (Gow, et al., 2020). Participating in a childhood obesity conference could help a nurse increase their knowledge, network with other professionals, develop professionally, and gain motivation and inspiration for their work.

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Solution

Fighting obesity in children requires a multidimensional approach that addresses the root causes of the problem. Some of the solutions proposed to address childhood obesity include:

1. Promoting healthy eating habits: This involves educating children and their families about healthy food choices (Merrotsy, et al, 2019), encouraging the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and discouraging the consumption of sugary drinks and high-fat, high-calorie foods.
2. Increasing physical activity: Children should be encouraged to engage in regular physical activity, such as playing outside, riding a bike, or participating in sports(Jacob & Hardy-Johnson, 2021). Schools and communities can also provide safe spaces for physical activity, such as parks, playgrounds, and community centres.
3. Addressing food insecurity: Many children living in the low-income household’s experience food insecurity, which can contribute to poor dietary choices and obesity(Kim, 2021). Addressing food insecurity through programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) can help ensure that children have access to healthy, nutritious foods.
4. Providing support and resources: Children and their families may need additional support and resources to address obesity. This could include access to nutritionists, counsellors, or support groups. Telehealth can be used to connect families with healthcare professionals
5. Advocating for policy changes: Policies supporting healthy eating and physical activity should be enacted. These policies can include requiring schools to provide healthy meals and increasing access to safe spaces for physical activity. Also, with the emergencies of covid then there was need to introduce contactless methods of fighting obesity.
6. Use of technology: Technology can play a significant role in fighting obesity in children by providing tools and resources to promote healthy habits and monitor progress (Knorr., 2020). This can include use of mobile apps and wearable technology to help children and families in tracking their physical activity and monitor their food intake. Technology helps a lot in reducing contact with the patient.

Opportunity

Attending or participating in a childhood obesity conference such as annual obesity weeks can provide nurses with a unique opportunity to learn about the latest research, best practices, and innovative strategies for addressing childhood obesity (Brodar, et al, 2021). This scholarly activity can help nurses grow both professionally and personally, by providing them skills and knowledge required to address obesity in children.

The goals of a childhood obesity conference may include:

1. Sharing new research findings and the best practices in the field of childhood obesity prevention and management.
2. Providing a platform for healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to collaborate, network, and share ideas.
3. Raising awareness about the prevalence and consequences of childhood obesity, as well as the importance of prevention and early intervention.
4. Highlighting evidence-based strategies and programs that have been successful in addressing childhood obesity.
5. Identifying gaps in current prevention and management efforts, and discussing ways to address these gaps.

Program competencies addressed

1. New Practice Approaches: The conference addressed new practice approaches towards reducing childhood obesity, such as evidence-based interventions, innovative strategies for promoting healthy behaviours, and the development of multidisciplinary teams to address childhood obesity.
2. Interprofessional Collaboration: The conference emphasized the importance of collaboration between healthcare professionals, community organizations, and policymakers in addressing childhood obesity. It focused on integrating nutrition, physical activity, and behavioural health services in the care of children with obesity and coordinating care among different healthcare providers and settings to improve outcomes.
3. Health Care Delivery and Clinical Systems: The conference discussed the evaluation and improvement of healthcare delivery systems to better address childhood obesity, the use of electronic health records and other technologies to improve care coordination and patient outcomes, and the implementation of quality improvement initiatives to improve the management of childhood obesity.
4. Ethical Considerations in Health Care: The conference addressed ethical issues related to the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity, such as stigmatization and discrimination, and confidentiality concerns related to collecting and sharing health information for the purpose of preventing and treating childhood obesity.
5. Practices of Culturally Sensitive Care and Ensuring the Integrity of Human: The conference emphasized the importance of understanding and addressing cultural and social factors that contribute to childhood obesity, providing care that is sensitive to the cultural and linguistic needs of diverse populations, and ensuring that all patients are treated with respect and dignity.
6. Population Health Concerns and Health Disparities: The conference focused on identifying and addressing disparities in childhood obesity rates and outcomes among different populations, understanding the social determinants of health that contribute to childhood obesity, and using data to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing childhood obesity rates.
7. The Role of Technology in Improving Health Care Outcomes: The conference discussed the use of technology towards reducing childhood obesity. Additionally, there should be implementation of telehealth and other virtual care technologies to increase access to care for children with obesity, and the integration of technology into clinical care to improve patient outcomes.
8. Health Policy: The conference emphasized understanding and advocating for policies that promote healthy environments and behaviours for children, developing policies to increase access to healthy foods and safe places to play, and engaging policymakers to increase funding and support for childhood obesity prevention and treatment programs.
9. Leadership and Economic Models: The conference focused on developing leadership skills to promote collaboration and advocacy for childhood obesity prevention and treatment, understanding the economic impact of childhood obesity and the potential cost savings associated with prevention and treatment, and developing sustainable economic models to support childhood obesity prevention and treatment programs.

Conclusion

Childhood obesity conference help nurses to can gain valuable knowledge and skills that can help them provide better care to children and families affected by obesity (Oliveira, et al., 2022). They can learn about the latest research and best practices, and connect with other healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers in the field. They can also gain new perspectives and inspiration that can help them approach their work with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

References

Brodar, K. E., Pennington, A. P., & Dickinson, L. M. (2021). Interprofessional Interventions for Pediatric Obesity: A Systematic Review. Journal of Interprofessional Education & Practice.

CDC. (2022). Prevalence of Childhood Obesity in the United States. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html

Gow, M., Tee, M. S., Garnett, S. P., Baur, L. A., Thomas, S., & Lister, N. (2020). Pediatric obesity treatment, self‐esteem, and body image: A systematic review with meta‐analysis.

Jacob, C. M., & Hardy-Johnson, P. L. (2021). Effect of school-based physical activity interventions on body mass index in children: a meta-analysis. International journal on behavioural nutrition and physical activity.

Kim, L. (2021). The Problem with Blaming Parents: A Critique of Nutrition and Physical Activity Education and Counselling Programs. Journal of Health Education Research.

Knorr., C. (2020). How to Use Technology to Improve Kids’ Health.

Merrotsy, A., McCarthy, A., Flack, J., & Coppinger, T. (2019). Obesity Prevention Programs in Children: The Most Effective Settings and Components. A Literature Review. Journal of Obesity and Chronic Diseases.

Oliveira, C. d., Mata, L. d., Batista, G., Jesus, O. d., Pinto, V., Neves, M. d., & Athayde, J. (2022). Nursing Strategies Involved in the prevention of child obesity.