Development and implementation of a methodology to conduct BMI screening on school aged children

Background: Obesity among children and adolescents is a critical public health problem in the United States. School systems nationwide are currently measuring the Body Mass Index (BMI) as a means to approach this issue. However, there is no standardization for the measurement process; there is variability in equipment, timing and training which create inconsistency in data and prohibit comparisons between schools from year to year; data collection and calculations are labor intensive and prone to error. Virginia does not mandate height, weight or BMI measurements in the public schools and there is no consistent collection method for these measurements. Methods: This pilot project will develop and recommend implementation of methodology to conduct BMI screening on school aged children using Biomeasure electronic scale and associated software in four school systems. The project methods include the development and evaluation of the most efficient, valid and reliable methodology for collecting BMI data in the school setting; to identify perceived needs, barriers, and facilitative factors in the community; and to identify the most promising pathway for expanding this pilot into full implementation in the Hampton Roads area. Results: Synopsis of current practices of nationwide BMI collection methodology and results from a local area pilot project that will test a standardized BMI measurement system. Recommendations for best practice standardization across school systems will be presented. Conclusion: BMI measurement can be made more cost effective and feasible using a standardized, yet flexible, methodology to provide consistent reliable childhood BMI data across school districts.