Adolescent-parent interactions and communication preferences regarding body weight and weight management: a qualitative study

International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity

Research

Lesley A King¹  Libby A Hattersley¹  Sarah A Howlett¹  Louise L Hardy¹  Louise A Baur²  Vanessa A Shrewsbury² 

[1] Physical Activity Nutrition and Obesity Research Group, Sydney University, Sydney, Australia;Physical Activity Nutrition and Obesity Research Group, Sydney University, Sydney, Australia;Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Sydney University, Sydney, Australia;

关键词: Focus Group;    Eating Disorder;    Weight Management;    Family Doctor;    Sugary Drink;   

DOI  :  10.1186/1479-5868-7-16

 received in 2009-11-04, accepted in 2010-02-16,  发布年份 2010

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThis study aimed to canvass the nature of adolescent-parent interactions about weight, particularly overweight, and to explore ideas of how to foster supportive discussions regarding weight, both in the home and with family doctors.MethodsA market research company was contracted to recruit and conduct a series of separate focus groups with adolescents and unrelated parents of adolescents from low-middle socio-economic areas in Sydney and a regional centre, Australia. Group discussions were audio recorded, transcribed, and then a qualitative content analysis of the data was performed.ResultsNine focus groups were conducted; two were held with girls (n = 13), three with boys (n = 18), and four with parents (20 mothers, 12 fathers). Adolescent and parent descriptions of weight-related interactions could be classified into three distinct approaches: indirect/cautious (i.e. focus on eating or physical activity behaviors without discussing weight specifically); direct/open (i.e. body weight was discussed); and never/rarely discussing the subject. Indirect approaches were described most frequently by both adolescents and parents and were generally preferred over direct approaches. Parents and adolescents were circumspect but generally supportive of the potential role for family doctors to monitor and discuss adolescent weight status.ConclusionsThese findings have implications for developing acceptable messages for adolescent and family overweight prevention and treatment interventions.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© Shrewsbury et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2010