Recorded presentation

Elizabeth L. McGarvey, EdD¹, Mena Forrester, MS, RD², Cindy Shufflebarger, MPH, RD², H.J. Carretta, ABD MPH³, and Adrienne Keller, PhD¹. (1) Division of Prevention Research, Dept. of Psychiatric Medicine, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 800623, Charlotesville, VA 22908, 434-924-5522, rel8s@virginia.edu, (2) CARMA, Suite 207, 21 Professional Building, 2025 E. Main Street, Richmond, VA 23223, 434-644-2149, mforrester@carmakids.org, (3) Health Administration Department, Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia Campus, 1008 E Clay Street, Grant House, Richmond, VA 23219

Childhood obesity is an escalating problem in the U. S. (NHANES III, Trainee et al., 1995). A stratified, random sample of pediatricians and family practitioners in Virginia (30% of the total) were surveyed to investigate attitudes towards childhood obesity. Questionnaires were completed and returned by 515 physicians (return rate=39%). Most respondents were male (60%), from 27 to 80 years old (mean=47); 80% were white. Most report being in primary care (86%) and in practice from one year to 55 years (mean=18 years). Most (48%) estimate that at least 30 percent of U.S. preschool age children are currently overweight. Over half (59%) believe that “overweight” is a condition that requires treatment among preschool children. Eighty-seven percent believe that overweight among school age children requires treatment. Respondents believe the following situations are barriers to effective treatment of overweight in children: lack of patient motivation (85%), lack of parental involvement in treatment (89%), and lack of support services (e.g., nutrition counseling) (63%). Fewer physicians believe that lack of clinician time (53%), lack of reimbursement or ability to pay (48%), lack of clinician knowledge (39%), and lack of treatment skills (39%) are barriers. Relatively few (9%) physicians believe that possible concerns about precipitating eating disorders serves as a barrier to effective treatment. Over half (53%) of the physicians believe that recommended interventions or treatments that are ineffective may serve as a barrier. Other findings specify perceived needs for continuing medical education and influencing policy makes toward increased medical, social and family support services for overweight prevention

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