What do parents think about child's routine height and weight measures? A qualitative study

Background Routine height and weight screening of children accessing health services in South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) was implemented to address childhood obesity. This qualitative study aims to explore the views of parents/carers regarding the role of healthcare professionals (HCPs) in measuring their child and raising the issue of weight when accessing health services.Methods A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was performed. Parents/carers of children who had their height and weight measured at a SWSLHD facility were invited to participate. Purposive sampling was used to select parents/carers of children from different body mass index (BMI) categories and different health settings. Interviews were digitally audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The de-identified data were coded and analysed thematically using NVivo.Results A total of 24 semi-structured interviews were conducted. Of these, 14 were of parents/carers of children who were outside the healthy weight range. Three main themes were identified: parental perception of their child's weight, parental expectations, and parental challenges. We found that many parents/carers were unaware of their child's weight status and often underestimated it. Many were open to receiving advice and resources as long as it was addressed professionally and respectfully.Conclusions Contrary to the views of some health professionals, parents/carers want to know their child's weight status. They valued the information and advice provided by well-trained clinicians who are confident to raise the issue of weight with parents/carers. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are often reluctant to perform height and weight measurements or raise the issue of weight. In contrast, parents/carers often expect weight concerns to be addressed during episodes of care. Increasing HCP awareness of parents'/carers' views and expectations in the prevention and management of obesity may lead to clinical practice improvements and provide a first step in addressing excess weight gain in children.