Head Start Health and Nutrition Managers’ Perceptions of the Process of Measuring BMI and Communicating Preschooler’s Weight Status
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21650561 |
|---|---|
| Authors | M Elizabeth Miller (0000-0002-7412-6525, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA, corresponding author), Stephanie Nicely (Miami University, Hamilton, OH, USA), Dana Shefet (East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA), Virginia C Stage (East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA), Virginia Carraway-Stage (0000-0002-6152-1438, East Carolina University) |
| Year | 2023 |
| Volume | 50 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 41-48 |
| Publication date | 2023-02-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Health Education & Behavior (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1090-1981 • E-ISSN: 1552-6127 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/10901981221131264 |
| PMID | 36314367 |
| OpenAlex | W4307771172 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 15 |
Body mass index (BMI) screenings are conducted as part of Head Start’s (HS) health and nutrition assessments. Weight status classifications, which rely on the accuracy of the BMI measurements, are communicated to caregivers to engage them in health behavior change. Limited qualitative research has been conducted on the procedures for BMI measurement and reporting in HS programs. Interviews (n=28) were conducted with HS health/nutrition managers in Ohio and North Carolina to understand the processes used to conduct BMI screenings and disseminate reports and identify related needs. Themes included Personnel, Equipment, and Training for BMI Measurements; Classifying and Communicating BMI and Referrals; Professional Development Opportunities; and Resource, Training/Policy Needs to Support BMI Practices. Programs need additional resources to implement BMI measurement training and improve data accuracy and entry. Clarification of the referral/follow-up process and training around communicating with caregivers is also needed to better support families in implementing behavior change
Behavior change · Body mass index · Family medicine · Head start · Medical education · Referral · Applied Psychology · Computer Science · Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations · Medicine · Obesity and Health Practices · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet · Psychology · Social Psychology · Gerontology
| Highly cited | No |
|---|