Patient Attendance and Outcomes in a Structured Weight Management Program

Virtual Nutrition Counseling in Pediatric Primary Care: An Integrated Approach to the Prevention and Management of Pediatric Obesity

Given the rising prevalence of pediatric obesity, new approaches to the delivery of targeted nutrition counseling to not only prevent but also treat pediatric obesity are needed. The integration of a dietitian virtually was a successful quality improvement measure in this academic pediatric primary care clinic. The virtual dietitian provided age-appropriate nutrition counseling at well-child visits from 9 months to 6 years of age. Dietary counseling was also provided for children with overweight and obesity regardless of age. Vegetable, fruit, snack, and dairy intake was assessed in children who received counseling versus those who had traditional well childcare. Improved dairy habits were noted in the counseling cohort. A decrease in body mass index was not demonstrated in the patients with obesity or overweight; however, patient and provider satisfaction was quite high with this novel quality improvement measure. Virtual nutrition counseling can be easily integrated to facilitate a comprehensive pediatric medical home.

Clinician Needs for Electronic Health Record Pediatric and Adolescent Weight Management Tools: A Mixed-Methods Study

BACKGROUND

 Clinicians play an important role in addressing pediatric and adolescent obesity, but their effectiveness is restricted by time constraints, competing clinical demands, and the lack of effective electronic health record (EHR) tools. EHR tools are rarely developed with provider input.

OBJECTIVES

 We conducted a mixed method study of clinicians who provide weight management care to children and adolescents to determine current barriers for effective care and explore the role of EHR weight management tools to overcome these barriers.

METHODS

 In this mixed-methods study, we conducted three 1-hour long virtual focus groups at one medium-sized academic health center in Missouri and analyzed the focus group scripts using thematic analysis. We sequentially conducted a descriptive statistical analysis of a survey emailed to pediatric and family medicine primary care clinicians (n = 52) at two private and two academic health centers in Missouri.

RESULTS

 Surveyed clinicians reported that they effectively provided health behavior lifestyle counseling at well-child visits (mean of 60 on a scale of 1-100) and child obesity visits (63); however, most felt the current health care system (27) and EHR tools (41) do not adequately support pediatric weight management. Major themes from the clinician focus groups were that EHR weight management tools should display data in a way that (1) improves clinical efficiency, (2) supports patient-centered communication, (3) improves patient continuity between visits, and (4) reduces documentation burdens. An additional theme was (5) clinicians trust patient data entered in real time over patient recalled data.

CONCLUSION

 Study participants report that the health care system status quo and currently available EHR tools do not sufficiently support clinicians working to manage pediatric or adolescent obesity and provide health behavior counseling. Clinician input in the development and testing of EHR weight management tools provides opportunities to address barriers, inform content, and improve efficiencies of EHR use.

Effectiveness of a Scalable mHealth Intervention for Children With Overweight and Obesity

Background: Multicomponent interventions are the first line of treatment for pediatric obesity, but are challenging to access. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions hold promise as they address commonly cited barriers for attending in person programs and have potential for wide scale dissemination. Methods: This retrospective cohort study examined data from youth who enrolled in the Kurbo program, which includes personal health coaching and a mobile app. Hierarchical linear regression was used to examine the impact of baseline percentage of the 95th% percentile for body mass index (%BMIp95), number of coaching sessions, and length of time enrolled in the program on change in %BMIp95, controlling for baseline age and sex. Results: A total of 3500 youth (mean age of 12.79 years, 71.3% female) were included. Youth experienced a 0.70 U decrease in BMI [standard deviation (SD) = 2.19] and a 4.45% decrease (SD = 8.5) in %BMIp95 over a mean of 31.5 weeks. The overall regression model was significant, R2 = 0.066, F(3,3494) = 77.18, and p < 0.001. Predictors of decrease in weight status included being female (b = -1.11, p < 0.001), higher baseline %BMIp95, (b = -0.58, p < 0.001), and greater number of coaching sessions (b = -0.12, p < 0.001), while greater time enrolled in the program (b = 0.02, p < 0.001) was associated with less change. Conclusion: Findings suggest a scalable coaching program with integrated digital tools for monitoring diet and activity can lead to significant reductions in weight status. Findings need to be replicated with more rigorous study designs, including a comparison condition and verified assessment of height and weight.

Improving medication adherence monitoring and clinical outcomes through mHealth: A randomized controlled trial protocol in pediatric stem cell transplant

Medication non-adherence rates in children range between 50% and 80% in the United States. Due to multifaceted outpatient routines, children receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) are at especially high risk of non-adherence, which can be life-threatening. Although digital health interventions have been effective in improving non-adherence in many pediatric conditions, limited research has examined their benefits among families of children receiving HCT. To address this gap, we created the BMT4me© mobile health app, an innovative intervention serving as a "virtual assistant" to send medication-taking reminders for caregivers and to track, in real-time, the child's medication taking, barriers to missed doses, symptoms or side effects, and other notes regarding their child's treatment. In this randomized controlled trial, caregivers will be randomized to either the control (standard of care) group or the intervention (BMT4me© app) group at initial discharge post-HCT. Both groups will receive an electronic adherence monitoring device (i.e., medication event monitoring system "MEMS" cap, Medy Remote Patient Management "MedyRPM" medication adherence box) to store their child's immunosuppressant medication. Caregivers who agree to participate will be asked to complete enrollment, weekly, and monthly parent-proxy measures of their child's medication adherence until the child reaches Day 100 or complete taper from immunosuppression. Caregivers will also participate in a 15 to 30-minute exit interview at the conclusion of the study. Descriptive statistics and correlations will be used to assess phone activity and use behavior over time. Independent samples t-tests will examine the efficacy of the intervention to improve adherence monitoring and reduce readmission rates. The primary expected outcome of this study is that the BMT4me© app will improve the real-time monitoring and medication adherence in children receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplant following discharge, thus improving clinical outcomes.

Patient Retention in Pediatric Weight Management Programs in the United States: Analyses of Data from the Pediatrics Obesity Weight Evaluation Registry

Objective: Meeting recommended provider contact hours in multicomponent pediatric weight management (PWM) programs is difficult when patient retention is low. Our objective was to examine associations between individual patient characteristics, program characteristics, and patient retention. Methods: Using the Pediatric Obesity Weight Evaluation Registry, a prospective longitudinal study of 32 PWM programs, we included children (≤18 years; n = 6502) enrolled for a full year. We examined associations between retention (any follow-up visit) and patient and program characteristics using multivariable models with site-clustering random effects. Results: Sixty-seven percent of children had at least one follow-up visit, whereas 12% had four or more visits. Compared with non-Hispanic white children, non-Hispanic black children were less likely to have a follow-up visit [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.79], whereas Hispanic children (any race) were more likely (aOR = 1.22). Children with Medicaid had similar retention to those with private insurance. Retention did not differ by age, gender, weight status, or comorbidities, nor by program characteristics. Conclusions: Few characteristics of PWM programs are clearly associated with retention, indicating that a variety of formats can support continued treatment and likely reflect the influence of unmeasured characteristics. Clearer ways to identify and overcome barriers for individual patients will be needed to improve retention in PWM.

The Families Improving Health Together (FIT) Program: Initial evaluation of retention and research in a multispecialty clinic for children with obesity

BACKGROUND

Obesity affects ∼17% of US children, with parallel increases in multiple comorbidities, especially among African-, Asian-, Hispanic-, and Native-Americans. Barriers to patient retention in pediatric obesity programs include lack of centralized care, and frequent subspecialty MD visits which conflict with patient school attendance and parental work attendance as well as with support service utilization. Lack of integration of multispecialty clinical care with interdisciplinary research is a major barrier to fuller exploration of the treatment, prevention, and understanding of obesity in childhood.

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis, a novel multispecialty/interdisciplinary clinical and research infrastructure with strong emphasis on a primary obesity care physician for children with early-onset (<9 years) obesity (Families Improving health Together [FIT]) could promote lower patient attrition (primary goal) and foster productive research in pediatric obesity (secondary goal).

RESULTS

Data support the hypotheses. Over 15 months, FIT reported a >90% participant retention (p < 0.001 vs. expected rate based on other studies of similar programs). Though 90% of children had at least one adiposity-related comorbidity and 70% had at least two, there was no need for additional subspecialist visits with cardiologists, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, or molecular geneticists. Three abstracts were presented at national meetings, and two manuscripts were published all with junior faculty as primary authors.

CONCLUSION

This pilot study suggests that an integrated multispecialty/interdisciplinary approach to children with obesity improves patient retention and can be integrated successfully with research.

Impact of lifestyle Intervention on branched-chain amino acid catabolism and insulin sensitivity in adolescents with obesity

Insulin resistance in adolescents with obesity associates with a sex‐dependent metabolic ‘signature’ comprising branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs), glutamate and C3/C5 acylcarnitines (C3/C5), implicating altered flux through BCAA catabolic pathways. Here, we investigated the effects of lifestyle intervention on BCAA catabolism and insulin sensitivity. We hypothesized (1) weight reduction and improved insulin sensitivity associate with enhanced BCAA catabolism; (2) baseline BCAAs and their metabolic by‐products predict changes in weight and insulin sensitivity during lifestyle intervention.

Strategies to reduce attrition in managing paediatric obesity: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review of the literature for strategies designed to reduce attrition in managing paediatric obesity.

METHODS

We searched Ovid Medline (1946 to May 6, 2020), Ovid Embase (1974 to May 6, 2020), EBSCO CINAHL (inception to May 6, 2020), Elsevier Scopus (inception to April 14, 2020), and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (inception to April 14, 2020). Reports were eligible if they included any obesity management intervention, included 2 to 18 year olds with overweight or obesity (or if the mean age of participants fell within this age range), were in English, included experimental study designs, and had attrition reduction as a main outcome. Two team members screened studies, abstracted data, and appraised study quality.

RESULTS

Our search yielded 5,415 original reports; six met inclusion criteria. In three studies, orientation sessions (n = 2) and motivational interviewing (MI) (n = 1) were used as attrition-reduction strategies before treatment enrollment; in three others, text messaging (n = 2) and MI (n = 1) supplemented existing obesity management interventions. Attrition-reduction strategies led to decreased attrition in two studies, increased in one, and no difference in three. For the two strategies that reduced attrition, (a) pre-treatment orientation and (b) text messaging between children and intervention providers were beneficial. The quality of the six included studies varied (good [n = 4]; poor [n = 2]).

CONCLUSION

Some evidence suggests that attrition can be reduced. The heterogeneity of approaches applied and small number of studies included highlight the need for well-designed, experimental research to test the efficacy and effectiveness of strategies to reduce attrition in managing paediatric obesity.

Wearable Activity Tracking Device Use in an Adolescent Weight Management Clinic: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

BACKGROUND

The use of physical activity tracker devices has increased within the general population. However, there is limited medical literature studying the efficacy of such devices in adolescents with obesity. In this study, we explored the feasibility of using wearable activity tracking devices as an adjunct intervention on adolescents with obesity.

METHODS

Randomized controlled pilot trial evaluated the feasibility (attrition ≤50%) of an activity tracking intervention (ATI) and its effects on weight loss in adolescents with obesity enrolled in an adolescent weight management clinic (AWMC). Outcomes included feasibility (attrition rate) and absolute change in BMI. Differences between groups at 6, 12, and 18 weeks were examined.

RESULTS

Forty-eight participants were enrolled in the study. Eighteen subjects were randomly assigned to the ATI group and 30 to control. The average age was 14.5 years. Overall, the majority of participants were Hispanic (56%). Sexes were equally distributed. The average baseline BMI was 37.5 kg/m². At the study conclusion, the overall attrition rate was 52.1%, 44.4% in the ATI group versus 56.6% in the control group, with a differential attrition of 12.2%. The ATI and control groups each showed an absolute decrease in BMI of -0.25 and -2.77, respectively, with no significant differences between the groups.

CONCLUSION

The attrition rate in our study was >50%. Participation in the AWMC by the ATI and control groups resulted in maintenance of BMI and body weight for the study duration. However, the use of an activity tracking device was not associated with greater weight loss. This trial is registered with NCT03004378.

Readiness to Change and Prospective Effects of Weight Management Programs in Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasing problem in pediatrics with limited treatment options. We prospectively assessed outcomes in patients managed in a hepatology clinic (HC) alone vs. those managed in combination with a multidisciplinary weight management program (MWMP). We describe each group’s readiness to change at the time of NAFLD diagnosis. Patients diagnosed with NAFLD were given a modified Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES) at enrollment (T1) to assess readiness to change. They were then followed at 3–9 months (T2) and at 10–15 months (T3). Linear mixed models were used to evaluate changes in body mass index (BMI), BMI z‐score, and transaminases over time and between the two groups. There were no significant treatment group main effects or treatment × time interactions for our primary end points for HC alone (n = 75) or with MWMP (n = 18). There was a significant main effect for time for BMI z‐score, with BMI z‐scores declining on average by 0.0568 (P = 0.004) from visit to visit. Low SOCRATES subscales scores in HC alone (n = 33) or with MWMP (n = 4) suggested a patient population with low recognition of disease and likelihood of taking steps for change. Patients with obesity and NAFLD had low scores on all three SOCRATES subscales. Despite this, both groups had improvement in BMI z‐score without significant difference between the two treatment groups in other primary end points. Further study is needed to identify the most effective patient selection and treatment strategies for pediatric patients with NAFLD, including pharmacotherapy and surgery.

Predictors of Engagement in a Pediatric Weight Management Clinic after Referral

Background: Little is known about factors that affect a family's ability to engage in pediatric weight management clinics (PWMCs). We aimed at comparing child and family characteristics of patients referred to a PWMC by participants' attendance at orientation, attendance at intake, or completing the program. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of patients ages 2-18 years referred to a PWMC between 2014 and 2017. We extracted data from electronic medical records and clinic databases, including age, sex, race/ethnicity, language, referral year, address, and insurance. We performed t-tests and chi-square tests to examine the association of engagement outcomes with covariates. We used separate multivariate logistic regression models to assess the predictors of engagement outcomes, including significant covariates from bivariate analyses. Results: Participants (N = 2020 referred) had a mean age of 11.5 ± 3.5 years; 72% had Medicaid, and 34% lived in city limits. Participants were 39% white, 30% black, and 27% Hispanic. Of those referred, 41% attended orientation, 14% attended intake, and 9% completed. Significant predictors of attending orientation were age [odds ratio (OR): 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.91-0.96], male sex (OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.60-0.91), Hispanic ethnicity (OR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.26-2.26), living in city limits (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.11-1.75), and Medicaid (OR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.60-0.98). Significant predictors of attending intake were age (OR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.90-0.96), Medicaid (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.46-0.81), and 2017 referral year (OR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.12-0.35). Hispanic ethnicity was associated with twice the odds of completion (OR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.10-3.91). Conclusions: Child and family characteristics more strongly predicted initial engagement with a PWMC than completion. Future research should examine how targeting these predictors (e.g., referring at younger age) can improve PWMC engagement.

The Application of Telemedicine to Pediatric Obesity: Lessons from the Past Decade

Background: Telemedicine has been utilized to deliver pediatric weight management care in both rural and urban communities. This method of health care delivery may provide a solution to the many logistical obstacles to pediatric obesity management, including time, finances, and distance to programs. Objectives: This review examines all studies in the past decade that employed telehealth communication directly between families and obesity specialists to treat pediatric obesity. To assess the practical use of such programs, studies that surveyed family satisfaction with this method of health care are also included. Methods: A comprehensive electronic database search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases. Results: All studies demonstrated noninferiority in clinical efficacy as measured by weight status improvement in participants of either the telehealth cohort or the in-person cohort. Attrition rates were also not statistically significant between groups. Patient satisfaction with telemedicine delivery was high across studies. Lack of statistical significance in outcomes of these studies can be attributed to infrequent visits, limited duration of programs, and study size. Conclusions: Future research is needed to evaluate the effect on health outcomes as well as compliance when direct to consumer telemedicine visits are integrated in pediatric weight management clinics with more frequency and for longer duration. This method of telemedicine would allow for increased contact with patients and families in between face-to-face encounters. Telehealth provides the potential to create more robust, accessible, and effective pediatric weight management programs.

Feasibility of pediatric obesity and prediabetes treatment support through Tess, the AI behavioral coaching chatbot

Behavioral intervention technologies (BITs) are unique ways to incorporate the benefits of technology and psychology to address differing health needs through various media, including Internet interventions, mobile apps, and video games. BITs present several possible benefits, including increased dissemination and accessibility, cost-effectiveness, increased engagement, and decreased stigma, especially among youth. A behavioral coaching chatbot, Tess, addresses different facets of behavioral health, such as depression and anxiety. Available 24/7, Tess delivers customized integrative support, psychoeducation, and interventions through brief conversations via existing communication channels (i.e., SMS text messaging and Facebook Messenger). This study assessed the feasibility of integrating Tess in behavioral counseling of adolescent patients (n = 23; Mage = 15.20 years; Rangeage = 9.78-18.54 years; 57% female) coping with weight management and prediabetes symptoms. Tess engaged patients via a preferred method of communication (SMS text messaging) in individualized conversations to promote treatment adherence, behavior change, and overall wellness. Adolescent patients reported experiencing positive progress toward their goals 81% of the time. The 4,123 messages exchanged and patients' reported usefulness ratings (96% of the time) illustrate that adolescents engaged with and viewed this chatbot as helpful. These results highlight the feasibility and benefit of support through artificial intelligence, specifically in a pediatric setting, which could be scaled to serve larger groups of patients. As a partner to clinicians, Tess can continue the therapeutic interaction outside office hours while maintaining patient satisfaction. Due to Tess's capacity for continuous learning, future iterations may have additional features to increase the user experience.

Characteristics Associated with Successful Weight Management in Youth with Obesity

OBJECTIVE

To identify the medical, demographic, and behavioral factors associated with a reduction of body mass index percent of the 95th percentile (BMIp95) after 1 year for patients receiving care at a tertiary care obesity management clinic.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective review of data from first and 12 ± 3-month follow-up visits of subjects aged 8-17 years with obesity. Data included anthropometrics, demographics, medical/psychological history, reported diet patterns, and participation in moderate/vigorous physical activity. After analyzing factors associated with 1-year follow-up, we used a forward conditional logistic regression model, controlling for subject's sex, to examine associations with a BMIp95 ≥5-point decrease at 1 year.

RESULTS

Of 769 subjects, 184 (23.9%) had 1-year follow-up. Boys more often had follow-up (28.4% vs girls, 19.1%; P = .003). The follow-up sample was 62.0% male, 65.8% Hispanic, and 77.7% with public insurance; 33.2% achieved a ≥5-point decrease in BMIp95. In regression results, the ≥5-point decrease group was more likely to have completed an initial visit in April-September (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-3.9); have increased physical activity by 1-2 d/wk (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.4-7.8) or increased physical activity by ≥ 3 d/wk at 1 year (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.1-6.3); and less likely to have been depressed at presentation (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.9). Demographic and dietary factors were not significantly associated with BMIp95 group status.

CONCLUSIONS

Strategies improving follow-up rates, addressing mental health concerns, and promoting year-round physical activity are needed to increase the effectiveness of obesity management clinics.

Integrating childhood obesity resources into the patient-centered medical home: Provider perspectives in the United States

Pediatric primary care providers play a critical role in managing obesity yet often lack the resources and support systems to provide effective care to children with obesity. The objective of this study was to identify system-level barriers to managing obesity and resources desired to better managing obesity from the perspective of pediatric primary care providers. A 64-item survey was electronically administered to 159 primary care providers from 26 practices within a large pediatric primary care network. Bivariate analyses were performed to compare survey responses based on provider and practice characteristics. Also factor analysis was conducted to determine key constructs that effect pediatric interventions for obesity. Survey response rate was 69% ( n = 109), with the majority of respondents being female (77%), physicians (67%), and without prior training in obesity management (74%). Time constraints during well visits (86%) and lack of ancillary staff (82%) were the most frequently reported barriers to obesity management. Information on community resources (99%), an on-site dietitian (96%), and patient educational materials (94%) were most frequently identified as potentially helpful for management of obesity in the primary care setting. Providers who desired more ancillary staff were significantly more likely to practice in clinics with a higher percentage of obese, Medicaid, and Hispanic patients. Integrating ancillary lifestyle expert support into primary care practices and connecting primary care practices to community organizations may be a successful strategy for assisting primary care providers with managing childhood obesity, especially among vulnerable populations.

Feasibility of Using a Commercial Fitness Tracker as an Adjunct to Family-Based Weight Management Treatment: Pilot Randomized Trial

Background

Fitness trackers can engage users through automated self-monitoring of physical activity. Studies evaluating the utility of fitness trackers are limited among adolescents, who are often difficult to engage in weight management treatment and are heavy technology users.

Objective

We conducted a pilot randomized trial to describe the impact of providing adolescents and caregivers with fitness trackers as an adjunct to treatment in a tertiary care weight management clinic on adolescent fitness tracker satisfaction, fitness tracker utilization patterns, and physical activity levels.

Methods

Adolescents were randomized to 1 of 2 groups (adolescent or dyad) at their initial weight management clinic visit. Adolescents received a fitness tracker and counseling around activity data in addition to standard treatment. A caregiver of adolescents in the dyad group also received a fitness tracker. Satisfaction with the fitness tracker, fitness tracker utilization patterns, and physical activity patterns were evaluated over 3 months.

Results

A total of 88 adolescents were enrolled, with 69% (61/88) being female, 36% (32/88) black, 23% (20/88) Hispanic, and 63% (55/88) with severe obesity. Most adolescents reported that the fitness tracker was helping them meet their healthy lifestyle goals (69%) and be more motivated to achieve a healthy weight (66%). Despite this, 68% discontinued use of the fitness tracker by the end of the study. There were no significant differences between the adolescent and the dyad group in outcomes, but adolescents in the dyad group were 12.2 times more likely to discontinue using their fitness tracker if their caregiver also discontinued use of their fitness tracker (95% CI 2.4-61.6). Compared with adolescents who discontinued use of the fitness tracker during the study, adolescents who continued to use the fitness tracker recorded a higher number of daily steps in months 2 and 3 of the study (mean 5760 vs 4148 in month 2, P=.005, and mean 5942 vs 3487 in month 3, P=.002).

Conclusions

Despite high levels of satisfaction with the fitness trackers, fitness tracker discontinuation rates were high, especially among adolescents whose caregivers also discontinued use of their fitness tracker. More studies are needed to determine how to sustain the use of fitness trackers among adolescents with obesity and engage caregivers in adolescent weight management interventions.

A retrospective review of patient outcomes in the pediatric HEROES weight management program

Pediatric obesity is a public health concern in the U.S. The purpose of this study was to describe the impact of a pediatric stage 3 and 4 weight management program. Program aims measured: change in biometric values using BMI z-scores; intervention attrition rate; and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) from admission through the initial six months of the program. The program evaluation included a retrospective review of 884 electronic records. Of the 698 children that met the inclusion criteria, 468 completed at least one follow-up visit within the baseline to 6 month time period. Overall 66.38% of the 468 maintained program involvement at the 6 month evaluation. Of the 468 who completed the 6 months, 192 children/families participated in the clinic only program and 276 participated both in the clinic and a 12 week contract education/fitness and exercise intervention. The completion rate for the contract intervention was 7.3%. All children demonstrated a decrease in BMI z-scores. There were no statistically significant differences (p = 0.276) in the BMI z-change scores from baseline to 6 months in the clinic only program; those who did not complete the education/fitness and exercise intervention, and those who completed the education/fitness and exercise intervention. Children demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in their overall HRQOL scale score (p = 0.001) from baseline to the 6 month evaluation. The results indicate the impact of attrition and HRQOL in weight management programs. Further research is needed to develop and strengthen the effectiveness of weight management interventions.

Impact of Psychosocial Risk on Outcomes among Families Seeking Treatment for Obesity

OBJECTIVES

To test the hypothesis that children with elevated psychosocial risk would have increased attrition and worse weight outcomes in weight management treatment.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective cohort study of 100 new patients, aged 4-12 years, in a weight management clinic. Parents completed the Psychosocial Assessment Tool. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to calculate the odds of attrition from the clinic and a nonmeaningful change in body mass index (BMI) z-score (ie, <0.1 unit decrease in BMI z-score) over a 6-month period based on psychosocial risk category, adjusting for child demographics and baseline weight category.

RESULTS

The majority of patients were male (59%), black (36%) or white (43%), and had severe obesity (55%), and 59% of families were categorized as having moderate or high psychosocial risk. Over the 6-month period, 53% of families were lost to follow-up, and 67% did not have a clinically meaningful decrease in BMI z-score. Compared with children of families with low psychosocial risk, children of families with moderate or high psychosocial risk were 3.1 times (95% CI, 1.3-7.2 times) more likely to be lost to follow-up and 2.9 times (95% CI, 1.1-7.9 times) more likely to have a non-clinically meaningful change in BMI z-score.

CONCLUSIONS

Children presenting with increased psychosocial risk have higher attrition and poorer weight outcomes, supporting the need for psychosocial screening as a standard component of pediatric weight management treatment.

Maintenance interventions for overweight or obesity in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Childhood obesity is associated with significant health consequences. Although several intervention programmes for children result in weight loss or stabilization in the short-term, preventing relapse after treatment remains an important challenge. This systematic review summarizes the evidence about maintenance interventions after treatment in childhood obesity. Studies were identified by searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL and SocINDEX. The primary outcome measure for this review was body mass index standard deviation score (BMI-Z-score). Data were pooled using quality effect models. Eleven studies (1,532 participants, age 2-18 years) were included, covering a wide range of maintenance approaches. Included studies varied widely in methodological quality. Pooled analysis showed that the BMI-Z-score of maintenance intervention participants remained stable, whereas control participants experienced a slight increase. No differences were observed regarding intensity and duration of therapy. A slight preference for 'face-to-face' versus 'on distance' interventions was shown. In summary, this review shows that, although there is limited quality data to recommend one maintenance intervention over another, continued treatment does have a stabilizing effect on BMI-Z-score. Considering the magnitude of the problem of childhood obesity, this is an important finding that highlights the need for further research on weight loss maintenance.

Predictors of Loss to Follow-Up among Children with Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Youth with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have poor compliance with medical care. This study aimed to determine which demographic and clinical factors differ between youth with T2D who receive care in a pediatric diabetes center versus youth lost to follow-up for >18 months.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from 496 subjects in the Pe-diatric Diabetes Consortium registry. Enrollment variables were selected a priori and analyzed with univariable and multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS

After a median of 1.3 years from enrollment, 55% of patients were lost to follow-up. The final model included age, race/ethnicity, parent education, and estimated distance to study site. The odds ratio (99% confidence interval) of loss to follow-up was 2.87 (1.34, 6.16) for those aged 15 to <18 years versus those aged 10 to <13 years and 6.57 (2.67, 16.15) for those aged ≥18 years versus those aged 10 to <13 years. Among patients living more than 50 miles from the clinic, the odds ra tio of loss to follow-up was 3.11 (1.14, 8.49) versus those living within 5 miles of the site.

CONCLUSION

Older adolescents with T2D are more likely to be lost to follow-up, but other socioeconomic factors were not significant predictors of clinic follow-up.

Pediatric Psychologists' Collaboration in a National Pediatric Obesity Initiative: A Case Study in Interprofessional Collaboration

Health Care reform calls for collaborative team-based care; psychologists must therefore strengthen their competencies for work in interprofessional clinical care settings. Toward that end, a group of psychologists participated with physicians, dieticians, physical activity specialists, nurses, and others in a national interprofessional workgroup focused on pediatric obesity. The interprofessional group was designed to identify areas in need of national advocacy, key assessment and treatment concerns, and gaps in internal policies and procedures in children's hospitals. This article provides a case report of psychologists' roles and experience in this workgroup, and focuses on factors that underlie successful collaboration among diverse health professionals, as well as potential barriers to success. The participating psychologists developed a working model for collaboration with other disciplines. Additionally, they formed a Psychology Subcommittee to identify and address discipline-specific issues regarding collaborative practice in pediatric psychology. Lessons learned in this interprofessional collaborative undertaking have relevance for future collaborative endeavors.