Nurses’ Role and Approaches in Preventing Childhood Obesity: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a rapidly increasing dilemma that is occurring worldwide. Uncontrolled overweight that is initiated in early childhood can lead to numerous health complications and in some cases early-hood mortality. Treating primary obesity is vital and can better the success of children and their overall health status. The main aim for this research was to raise awareness of childhood obesity and discover how school nurses can approach and communicate this crucial topic in a non-stigmatizing way. This may be applied by practicing school nurses to influence and contribute education to children and families. Nola Pender’s Health Promotion Model navigated this systematic literature review and to address the research questions, a qualitative content analysis was applied.

The results of the study outlined three major themes: The school nurses’ approach towards children and their families, school nurses’ communication interventions and strategies, and the school nurses’ role in caring for children with obesity. Eight subthemes were obtained from these themes which highlight the nurses’ role in approaching in a gentle and non-harsh manner, having a healthy relationship with the family, and how to overcome barriers. Furthermore, the findings highlight that school nurses hold a crucial role in detecting obesity amongst children, this highlights the need to have appropriate knowledge in situations of this nature.