Poster Presentation Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society Annual Scientific Conference 2024

Identifying primary health professionals’ training needs to support early childhood obesity prevention in Australia (#238)

Eve T House 1 2 3 4 , Erin Kerr 3 4 , Elizabeth Denney-Wilson 2 4 5 , Sarah Taki 1 2 3 4 , Sharlene Vlahos 6 , Alexandra Fili 6 , Karen Willcocks 6 , Kylie Hodge 6 , Chris Rossiter 5 , Heilok Cheng 2 4 5 , Louise A Baur 1 2 7 , Li Ming Wen 1 2 3 4
  1. Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
  2. NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Translating Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood, (EPOCH-Translate CRE), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
  3. Health Promotion Unit, Population Health Research and Evaluation Hub, Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
  4. Sydney Institute for Women, Children and Their Families, Sydney Local Health District, NSW Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
  5. Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
  6. Karitane, PO Box 241, Villawood, New South Wales, Australia
  7. Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Introduction: Health promotion is embedded in practice guidelines for Australian primary health professionals (PHPs). However, PHPs have reported a lack of knowledge and skills to engage in early childhood obesity prevention. This study aimed to identify the training needs of PHPs regarding obesity prevention in early childhood (0-5 years).

Methods: Between August 2022 and July 2023, Australian PHPs were recruited to participate in a 20-item online survey, followed by semi-structured interviews with a smaller group of PHPs. Descriptive analysis of quantitative data and thematic analysis of qualitative data were conducted.

Results: 227 PHPs participated in the survey (95% female, 49% from NSW, and 56% CFHNs) and 28 in interviews (96% female, 54% from NSW, and 46% CFHNs).

93% of PHPs reported interest in online continuing professional development (CPD) about promoting nutrition in early childhood. Topics of most interest to PHPs included fussy eating (60% expressed interest), allergies/intolerances (56%), and providing culturally appropriate nutritional support to families (50%). PHPs reported a need to develop skills in growth assessment and working sensitively with families where children are at risk of obesity. They emphasised that CPD should be accompanied by parent-facing resources that are culturally appropriate and accessible for families with lower health literacy.

PHPs rated the importance of features of CPD programs, the use of case studies, self-paced learning, and live interactive discussions were rated highly important by the largest proportion of participants (37-46%) compared with other learning options. During interviews, PHPs reported that limited time impacted their ability to attend CPD, they preferred short, low-cost CPD options.  PHPs discussed seeking CPD that was interactive and presented by reputable service providers without commercial interests.

Conclusion: PHPs require training to support obesity prevention in early childhood. CPD programs should be developed considering professional preferences, focussing on interactivity and flexibility in education delivery.