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Physicians' Perspectives on Increasing the Use of BMI Charts for Young Children

Division of General Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michiganswoolfor{at}med.umich.edu, Child Health Evaluation and Research [CHEAR] Unit, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Sarah J. Clark, MPH

Division of General Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Child Health Evaluation and Research [CHEAR] Unit, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Victor J. Strecher, PhD, MPH

Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Comprehensive Cancer Center University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Achamyeleh Gebremariam, MS

Division of General Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Child Health Evaluation and Research [CHEAR] Unit, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Matthew M. Davis, MD, MAPP

Division of General Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Division of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Child Health Evaluation and Research [CHEAR] Unit, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Gerald R Ford School of Public Policy, Ann Arbor, Michigan

The objective of the study was to explore the barriers and facilitators to using body mass index (BMI) for preschoolers. A survey was administered to a random sample of 600 pediatricians and family physicians in Michigan addressing usual practice for BMI charting, barriers, perceived influence of BMI chart innovations on the likelihood of increasing use of BMI and participating in training regarding obesity management. The response rate was 52%. Few respondents report that they generally use BMI charts for preschoolers (24%). The most frequently endorsed barrier was time and complexity involved in explaining BMI (70%). Respondents endorsed innovations such as color-coded charts (60%), and the inclusion of management recommendations (61%) as strong influences on the likelihood of using BMI more often. Frequently endorsed training modalities were workshops (47%), online (45%), and DVD (43%). Efforts to increase physician use of BMI should address methods to simplify communication of BMI, such as with color-coded charts, and provision of management recommendations based on BMI findings.

Key Words: body mass index charts • pediatrics • well-child care • screening • overweight

This version was published on July 1, 2008

Clinical Pediatrics, Vol. 47, No. 6, 573-577 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/0009922808314905


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