The association between parent-reported provider communication quality and child obesity status: Variation by parent obesity and child race/ethnicity.
Michelle S Wong, Nakiya N Showell, Sara N Bleich and 2 others
PMID 28318844WHAT IT FOUND
Parents of obese children were more likely to report that providers always listened carefully and spent enough time, but not that they explained things well or showed respect.
Benefits were not seen among obese parents.
Key findings
01After adjustment, parents of obese children were more likely to report that providers always listened carefully (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.74) and spent enough time (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.69).
02Child obesity status was not associated with parent reports that providers explained things well or showed respect.
03Among non-obese parents, having an obese child was associated with more reports of providers always listening (86% vs 79%) and spending enough time (81% vs 75%).
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
Because the data are cross-sectional, the study cannot show that child obesity caused better communication or that better communication caused any health improvement. Child and parent weight status came from parent-reported height and weight, which may underestimate obesity. Only one parent, the head of household, rated communication, so the other parent's experience may differ. The survey did not identify which healthcare provider or setting parents were rating, and children may have seen multiple providers. Provider characteristics such as provider weight and race/ethnicity were not available for adjustment. The sample was limited to parents of children aged 6 to 12, so results may not apply to adolescents or younger children. Communication was measured by four general provider communication items, not by the quality of weight counseling or clinical outcomes.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that child obesity improves provider communication or that all parents of obese children receive better communication. The study is cross-sectional, and the reported benefit in listening and time was mainly seen among parents who were not obese.