Parental Perceptions of the Rural School’s Role in Addressing Childhood Obesity

Abstract

This study employed cross-sectional, descriptive design with convenience sampling to explore rural parent perceptions of child obesity, use of Body Mass Index (BMI) in schools, preferences for receipt of BMI information and, the rural school's role in obesity prevention/treatment. The survey "Parental Perceptions of BMI and Obesity in the School-Age Child" was used. Of the 183 surveys distributed, 65 were returned (35.5%). Fifty-five percentage of parents were in agreement of school-based BMI screening. Fifty-four percentage of parents selected a combination of ways to receive BMI information (letter from school nurse, face-to-face conference with nurse, or via report card). Few parents (6.2%) were reluctant to schools addressing obesity. Significant relationships were identified between non-White, overweight parents who had overweight children (n = 3). They were more likely to disagree with removal of junk food, increasing physical activity, and recommending weight loss. Recommendations to involve parents in BMI screening are presented.

A Comprehensive Review of School‐Based Body Mass Index Screening Programs and Their Implications for School Health: Do the Controversies Accurately Reflect the Research?

“…Complicating the issue is that states that conduct school‐based BMI screenings often implement additional school policies for reducing obesity, such as (1) increasing physical activity; (2) removing/improving vending machine offerings; (3) limiting access to vending; (4) improving school lunches; (5) providing nutrition programs; extending students' lunchtime; (6) prohibiting sale of “junk” foods at school‐sponsored activities; (7) prohibiting use of physical activity for punishment; (8) hiring certified physical education (PE) teachers; and (9) increasing awareness about childhood obesity and weight‐related health risks . Although 1 study found that parents were less likely to support school changes and weight interventions if their children were overweight or obese, assessment data from Arkansas revealed that overall families became more aware of weight‐related health problems and made physical activity a more significant priority, adolescents increased physical activity, and students reduced vending purchases and consumption of sodas and fast foods…”

“…A significant benefit attributed to screening programs is the way data are collected to monitor obesity trends for various demographic subgroups at state and local levels, including rural areas where data are often limited . The standardized assessment of BMI data collected by trained personnel are more valid and reliable than the self‐ or parent‐reported data used for most national estimates .…”

“…While updated CDC categories are clearer, some parents find the CDC percentile ranges to be confusing and have voiced skepticism, since children grow at varying rates . Despite these concerns, focus groups, interviews, and survey results indicate that most parents support school‐based BMI screenings . However, parents express greater support when the ethical principles of nonmaleficence and respect for autonomy are assured by schools, as the majority of concerns raised by parents are for students' privacy and self‐esteem.…”

The Massachusetts BMI letter: A qualitative study of responses from parents of obese children

“…In MA, schools were required to notify parents in advance to provide the opportunity to opt out of the BMI screening process. Previous research in other states supports the consensus that parents prefer results not be shared with students in schools and that communication be done via mail [7,33–35], which may also be more effective in prompting caregivers to read the letter than sending the letter home from school with a child [36]. Failure to send BMI letters home via mail was cited as one reason that MA voted to end its program [8].…”

Innovative Tools Help Counselors Discuss Childhood Obesity with Parents

“…The use of a BMI report card is controversial and research to date has not proven its efficacy in changing weight-related behaviors. [11][12][13] However, one study reported that the use of a personalized weight and fitness health report card intervention did significantly increase awareness and help parents of overweight children to correctly identify their child's weight status. 13 To date, there has not been any information published about the use of BMI report cards for preschool children.…”