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To break the weight gain—A qualitative study on the experience of school nurses working with overweight children in elementary school

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  • Stina Thorstensson
  • Carola Blomgren
  • Annelie J. Sundler
  • Margaretha Larsson

Abstract

Aims and objectives To describe the experiences of school nurses working with overweight schoolchildren. Background School nurses play an important role in health promotion of overweight children. Lifestyle changes and interventions to address being overweight can improve health outcomes and decrease the risk for future health problems. Design A descriptive and qualitative design with a phenomenological approach was used. Data were gathered through interviews with school nurses working with overweight schoolchildren in Swedish elementary school; the data were subsequently analysed for meanings. Results Working with overweight children was perceived as demanding and challenging by the school nurses who found conversations on this topic emotionally loaded and complex. In addition, the school nurses needed to be sensitive and supportive to succeed in their support for a healthier everyday life for the schoolchildren. It was stated as important to find ways to break the child's weight gain and to cooperate with the parents in this work. The children's decrease in weight was experienced to be more successful when making small, step‐by‐step changes together with the child and his or her parents. Conclusions This study concludes that health talks about being overweight may be a challenge for school nurses. Strategies used to manage and succeed in this work included engaging in motivational conversations, working step by step and cooperating with the child's parents. Furthermore, the nurses experienced that they needed to provide emotional support for overweight children during school time. Relevance to clinical practice The school nurses’ health promotion needs to focus on how to break weight gain in overweight children. In this work, the nurses’ sensitiveness seems pivotal. Further research is needed on school nurses’ work with health promotion and support of overweight children concerning how to perform efficient communication and cooperation with the children and their parents.

Suggested Citation

  • Stina Thorstensson & Carola Blomgren & Annelie J. Sundler & Margaretha Larsson, 2018. "To break the weight gain—A qualitative study on the experience of school nurses working with overweight children in elementary school," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 27(1-2), pages 251-258, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jocnur:v:27:y:2018:i:1-2:p:e251-e258
    DOI: 10.1111/jocn.13924
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pernilla Garmy & Eva K. Clausson & Per Nyberg & Ulf Jakobsson, 2014. "Overweight and television and computer habits in Swedish school‐age children and adolescents: A cross‐sectional study," Nursing & Health Sciences, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 16(2), pages 143-148, June.
    2. Marie Golsäter & Birgitta Sidenvall & Hans Lingfors & Karin Enskär, 2011. "Adolescents’ and school nurses’ perceptions of using a health and lifestyle tool in health dialogues," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 20(17‐18), pages 2573-2583, September.
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    1. Bodil Just Christensen & Sidse Marie Sidenius Bestle & Ellen Trolle & Anja Pia Biltoft-Jensen & Jeppe Matthiessen & Sarah Jegsmark Gibbons & Anne Dahl Lassen, 2022. "Evaluation of Parental Acceptability and Use of Intervention Components to Reduce Pre-School Children’s Intake of Sugar-Rich Food and Drinks," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-23, June.

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