A needs assessment for obesity-related anticipatory guidance in the paediatric emergency department.

Background: The prevalence of Canadian childhood obesity has been increasing, resulting in a call for improved prevention efforts and anticipatory guidance.

Objective: To evaluate interest in obesity-related anticipatory guidance in a paediatric emergency department.

Methods: Between September 2005 and September 2006, parents or patients older than 14 years of age were approached at the emergency department of the Children's Hospital (London, Ontario) to complete a survey. The survey compiled demographic data and asked questions regarding self-perceived weight status, use of dieting and/or exercise for weight loss, desire for nutrition and/or exercise information, and interest in receiving anticipatory guidance related to obesity.

Results: Two hundred people completed the survey; the vast majority (92%) of respondents were parents. The mean (+/- SD) age of the children was 12.6+/-3.9 years. Forty-one per cent of the respondents indicated an interest in further information on obesity (95% CI 34% to 48%). Fifty-two per cent of respondents considered themselves overweight or obese (95% CI 45% to 59%), and 52% reported someone in their family who was dieting, exercising or both to lose weight. Parents who stated that their children considered themselves to be overweight or obese were significantly less interested in anticipatory guidance than parents who did not believe that their children considered themselves to be overweight or obese (67% versus 90%, respectively; P=0.009).

Discussion: Many patients in the paediatric emergency department desire information on nutrition and exercise. Further research into risk-stratified targeting of patients and parents are needed to help identify good candidates for anticipatory guidance.