Premium
The acceptability and feasibility of using a 3D body size scale to initiate conversations about weight in toddlerhood: a mixed‐methods study
Author(s) -
Tommerup Kristiane,
Smith Andrea D.,
Evans Elizabeth H.,
Croker Helen,
Steptoe Andrew,
Tovee Martin J.,
Fildes Alison,
Llewellyn Clare
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
pediatric obesity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.226
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 2047-6310
pISSN - 2047-6302
DOI - 10.1111/ijpo.12715
Subject(s) - overweight , medicine , thematic analysis , scale (ratio) , qualitative research , family medicine , clinical psychology , obesity , physics , quantum mechanics , social science , sociology
Summary Background Health Care Professionals struggle to initiate conversations about overweight in toddlerhood. A novel 3D body size scale (3D BSS) may facilitate engagement with this topic during pediatric appointments. Objectives To explore barriers and facilitators to using the 3D BSS through a mixed‐methods design. Methods For the qualitative phase, parents of toddlers (n = 38) participated in semi‐structured interviews introducing the 3D BSS of 4–5‐year‐old children. For the quantitative phase, pre‐ and post‐interview questionnaires were administered to ascertain the acceptability of the 3D BSS. Results Parents rated the 3D BSS as “very” (n = 20, 52.6%) to “moderately” (n = 12, 31.6%) acceptable. Thematic analysis revealed four barriers to acceptability: i) the sensitive nature of child weight, ii) the belief that weight does not determine health, iii) the visual normalisation of overweight and iv) the need to account for individual variation in growth patterns. However, these barriers could be overcome through three facilitators: i) the provision of expert guidance ii) the value of simple tools, and iii) tailoring conversations to familial needs. Conclusions Parents considered the 3D BSS an acceptable visual resource to discuss child weight during routine appointments. However, the acceptability of the tool was conditional on a sensitive, collaborative, and tailored delivery approach.