Background Pediatric overweight and obesity (OW/OB) are growing global health concerns, with rapidly increasing prevalence in Latin America and the Caribbean. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2025 in 15 pediatric clinics in the Dominican Republic. Surveys assessed healthcare providers’ knowledge, attitudes, self-reported counseling behaviors, and perceptions of the clinical environment related to pediatric OW/OB management. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression analyses were used to examine the associations between provider characteristics and management practices. Results Of the 103 respondents, 79.6% were women and 93.2% were attending physicians. Correct identification of clinical OW/OB definitions ranged from 57.3% to 75.3%. Although 93.2% reported being confident in diagnosing OW/OB, only 27.2% consistently asked families about their priorities for healthy living, and 62.1% regularly addressed physical activity during well-child visits. While 91.3% of providers “always” referred patients to a dietician/nutritionist, only 51.5% consistently scheduled follow-up visits. Discussion The findings of this study highlight gaps in provider knowledge and inconsistencies in obesity-related counseling practices during well-child visits. Strengthening pediatric OW/OB management in LMICs will require targeted training and enhanced support systems that promote family-centered care in resource-limited settings. Impact <UnorderedList Mark="Bullet"> <ItemContent> The key message is that pediatric obesity management shows strong provider confidence but clear gaps in knowledge and counseling practices. </ItemContent> <ItemContent> This article provides the first multisite evidence on pediatric weight-management practices in a low-resource Latin American setting. </ItemContent> <ItemContent> Highlights discrepancies between confidence and consistent application of lifestyle counseling. </ItemContent> <ItemContent> Underscores the urgent need for targeted training, family-centered approaches, and system-level support in LMICs to strengthen sustainable pediatric obesity care. </ItemContent> </UnorderedList>

Understanding knowledge, practices, and barriers in pediatric weight-management: a multisite cross-sectional study of primary care providers

期刊论文
发表日期：

2026年5月24日

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Joshua S. Yudkin,
Kristy Marie Polanco Lima,
Jenny L. Cepeda-Marte

摘要

Background

Pediatric overweight and obesity (OW/OB) are growing global health concerns, with rapidly increasing prevalence in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2025 in 15 pediatric clinics in the Dominican Republic. Surveys assessed healthcare providers’ knowledge, attitudes, self-reported counseling behaviors, and perceptions of the clinical environment related to pediatric OW/OB management. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression analyses were used to examine the associations between provider characteristics and management practices.

Results

Of the 103 respondents, 79.6% were women and 93.2% were attending physicians. Correct identification of clinical OW/OB definitions ranged from 57.3% to 75.3%. Although 93.2% reported being confident in diagnosing OW/OB, only 27.2% consistently asked families about their priorities for healthy living, and 62.1% regularly addressed physical activity during well-child visits. While 91.3% of providers “always” referred patients to a dietician/nutritionist, only 51.5% consistently scheduled follow-up visits.

Discussion

The findings of this study highlight gaps in provider knowledge and inconsistencies in obesity-related counseling practices during well-child visits. Strengthening pediatric OW/OB management in LMICs will require targeted training and enhanced support systems that promote family-centered care in resource-limited settings.

Impact

The key message is that pediatric obesity management shows strong provider confidence but clear gaps in knowledge and counseling practices.

This article provides the first multisite evidence on pediatric weight-management practices in a low-resource Latin American setting.

Highlights discrepancies between confidence and consistent application of lifestyle counseling.

Underscores the urgent need for targeted training, family-centered approaches, and system-level support in LMICs to strengthen sustainable pediatric obesity care.