Parent Interest in a School-Based, School Nurse-Led Weight Management Program

Because one in three children is already overweight or obese, school-based interventions targeting secondary obesity prevention merit consideration. This study assessed parent interest in participating in a school-based, school nurse-led weight management program for young school-aged children. A random sample of parents (n = 122) of second and fourth grade students in one large midwestern suburban school district completed a mailed survey. Associations between parent and child characteristics and interest in a school nurse-led after school weight management program for children, parent support group, and school nurse meeting with parent and child for weight management education were assessed using multivariate logistic regression. Non-White parents, parents concerned about their child's weight, and parents of girls were significantly more likely to express interest in program components than their counterparts. Future studies that develop, implement, and evaluate school-based, school nurse-led weight management programs targeting children who are overweight and obese merit attention.