Needs assessment for childhood obesity intervention program (262.1)

The purpose of this study was to assess the needs of families of obese children to inform the development of a clinic-based program to manage the weight and health of obese children. This cross-sectional study assessed selected nutritional and behavioral habits and the family environment of obese children who were seen in a private pediatric practice. Primary caregivers of 20 obese children were interviewed via phone using a structured questionnaire containing closed- and open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis with results reported as percentages and means. The mean age of the children was 9.2±2.9 yrs. The majority of the children (55%) were males. Seventy-five percent of the parents/guardians spoke Spanish as the primary language. Mean fruit and vegetable intake was 3.2±1.9 servings/d. Three-quarters of children were reported to consume sugar-sweetened beverages, with a mean intake of 1.9±1.6 cups/d. Although caregivers reported their children played actively for an aver...