Date of Conferral

2017

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Mattie Burton

Abstract

As childhood obesity continues to increase, so do the comorbidities and related health issues, putting youth at a greater risk of developing adult-related diseases such as hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Current literature indicates that healthcare organizations have a significant role in the fight against this epidemic, yet most children's hospitals have no policy to accomplish this task. The purpose of this project was to develop a program proposal for a hospital-based, sustainable obesity program that will aid in improving patient and family awareness of the importance of maintaining an ideal body weight to decrease the incidences of obesity-related comorbidities in pediatric patients ages 2-19 with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30. Lewin's theory of planned change and the logic model were used as the theoretical framework to guide the change process for this project through its development. To that end, the proposal was accepted at the site by the executive leadership in consideration for full implementation and evaluation. Key stakeholders and content experts were brought together to create the proposal for the program which includes an algorithm to guide care. The results of this project, once adopted will promote positive change in the quality of life, decrease BMI to a healthy limit, improve overall population health, and reduce healthcare expenditure. Additionally, dissemination of results of the project may stimulate changes in other children's hospitals to adopt the measures of care in the fight against childhood obesity, and contribute to social change.

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