Parents’ experiences of receiving feedback from national child weight screening programmes in the UK: A mixed methods systematic review

Preddy, Amanda; Bird, Emma

Abstract

Aim: To examine parents’ experiences of receiving feedback from a child weight screening programme in the UK
Background: Launched in England in 2005, the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) is a mandatory school-based height and weight surveillance programme. Routine feedback on children’s height and weight is provided to all parents. Previous research highlights parental concerns over weight-related feedback and the effects it has on them and their child, particularly if their child is overweight.
Methodology: A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted to identify relevant quantitative, qualitative or mixed-methods studies related to parental feedback on child weight and screening programmes. Study design features, context, methodology and outcomes were extracted. Due to the nature of the included papers a meta-analysis was not appropriate; all studies were narratively analysed.
Results: Seven studies were eligible for inclusion, which included three mixed-methods, two qualitative, and two cohort studies, representing the experiences of 3,182 parents. One of the included studies was of good quality and the remaining six were of moderate quality. Five themes were generated from the data: parental perceptions of weight and health; healthy lifestyles and behaviour change; feedback method and structure; impact on the child; and, measures and credibility. Parents’ experiences of weight-related feedback was mixed, with some reporting positive outcomes, to others reporting upset and distress. In some cases parents’ experiences were associated with the weight category reported.
Conclusions: This review identified the potential benefits of providing parents with feedback focused on lifestyle changes as opposed to weight. Piloting such forms of feedback may provide useful insights for future programme delivery. Parents’ preferences for feedback may be further understood by conducting public involvement research, establishing how parents of children eligible for such programmes would like to receive the feedback.

• Presentation Conference Type: Poster
• Conference Name: South West Public Health Scientific Conference
• Start Date: Mar 14, 2017
• End Date: Mar 14, 2017
• Acceptance Date: Dec 23, 2016
• Publication Date: Mar 14, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 7, 2019
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: Parents', experiences, receiving, feedback, national, child, weight, screening, programmes, UK, mixed methods, systematic review
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/896967
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : South West Public Health Scientific Conference