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<p>Pediatric obesity remains a major public health concern in the United States and is associated with early development of cardiometabolic and psychosocial comorbidities. Although early recognition and escalation to evidence-based interventions are recommended, the extent to which primary care providers are prepared to manage pediatric obesity varies. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of pediatric and family medicine providers regarding pediatric obesity management, including the use of pharmacologic and surgical treatments.&#xa0;A cross-sectional, anonymous electronic survey was distributed to pediatricians and family medicine providers across Oklahoma through professional networks. The survey included multiple-choice, Likert-scale, and open-ended questions evaluating knowledge of obesity definitions, comfort with treatment options, practice patterns, and access to supportive resources. Quantitative responses were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis.&#xa0;Forty providers met inclusion criteria. While most respondents correctly identified obesity thresholds, only 60% accurately defined severe obesity and 65% reported minimal familiarity with pediatric metabolic and bariatric surgery. Limited comfort with obesity management (55%) and poor access to exercise counseling (83%), behavioral health (44%), and bariatric surgical consultation (61%) were common. Pharmacotherapy and surgical referrals remained substantially underutilized.&#xa0;Primary care providers demonstrated knowledge gaps, limited confidence, and restricted access to resources for managing pediatric obesity. Enhanced provider education and improved system-level support are needed to facilitate timely, evidence-based care.</p>

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Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in the Management of Childhood and Adolescent Obesity: A Survey of Primary Care Providers in the State of Oklahoma, USA

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月29日

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  • Zachary Arnold,
  • Brianna Fleshman,
  • Carson Loncarich,
  • Lamiaa Ali,
  • Jesse Richards,
  • Zhamak Khorgami

摘要

Pediatric obesity remains a major public health concern in the United States and is associated with early development of cardiometabolic and psychosocial comorbidities. Although early recognition and escalation to evidence-based interventions are recommended, the extent to which primary care providers are prepared to manage pediatric obesity varies. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of pediatric and family medicine providers regarding pediatric obesity management, including the use of pharmacologic and surgical treatments. A cross-sectional, anonymous electronic survey was distributed to pediatricians and family medicine providers across Oklahoma through professional networks. The survey included multiple-choice, Likert-scale, and open-ended questions evaluating knowledge of obesity definitions, comfort with treatment options, practice patterns, and access to supportive resources. Quantitative responses were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis. Forty providers met inclusion criteria. While most respondents correctly identified obesity thresholds, only 60% accurately defined severe obesity and 65% reported minimal familiarity with pediatric metabolic and bariatric surgery. Limited comfort with obesity management (55%) and poor access to exercise counseling (83%), behavioral health (44%), and bariatric surgical consultation (61%) were common. Pharmacotherapy and surgical referrals remained substantially underutilized. Primary care providers demonstrated knowledge gaps, limited confidence, and restricted access to resources for managing pediatric obesity. Enhanced provider education and improved system-level support are needed to facilitate timely, evidence-based care.