Date of Doctor of Nursing Practice Project Completion
Spring 2026
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Susan Stafford
Abstract
PURPOSE The problem identified for this quality improvement project is the absence of a standardized protocol in the emergency center to identify at-risk young girls for obesity to increase parental engagement. The identified population was girls ages 6-12 years with a body mass index (BMI) at or above the upper end of the normal range.
BACKGROUND This project was implemented within a large, free-standing, academic pediatric hospital in Texas, in an Emergency Center.
METHODOLOGY Caregivers were evaluated using a modified section of the Motivational Interviewing Questionnaire to promote behavioral change. The intervention was a pre-questionnaire to assess parental engagement. The education and resources were provided before completing a post-intervention questionnaire. A PDSA cycle was conducted at the mid-intervention point to assess the intervention's effectiveness, and changes were made accordingly.
RESULTS Even with a small sample size, results showed a 25% increase in parental awareness post-implementation. The results indicate that a brief interaction can improve parental engagement and serve as an opportunity for health promotion.
IMPLICATIONS Integrating BMI identification and preventive education into the emergency care visit may support long-term reductions in childhood obesity with minimal workflow disruption.
Keywords
obesity, girls, BMI, pediatrics, emergency room, parental engagement
Recommended Citation
Sarah C. John, "Increasing Parental Awareness of Childhood Overweight in School-Aged Girls" (2026). Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract. 165.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/dnp_abstract/165