Background of the study
Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern globally, with significant implications for the health and well-being of children (World Obesity Federation, 2024). In Nigeria, the prevalence of childhood obesity has been on the rise, with increasing numbers of children affected by the condition (Iheanacho et al., 2023). Obesity in children is associated with a higher risk of developing chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases later in life (Ogundipe et al., 2024). Despite the gravity of the problem, the management and prevention of childhood obesity remain inadequately addressed in many healthcare settings, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria.
The University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH) is one of the prominent healthcare institutions in the Federal Capital Territory, where childhood obesity is increasingly being recognized as a public health challenge. Nurses play an essential role in the management of childhood obesity through early detection, education, and the implementation of lifestyle modification interventions, such as promoting healthy eating and physical activity (Adeniyi et al., 2023). However, nurses' awareness of the severity of childhood obesity and their ability to manage the condition effectively is questionable. While there have been guidelines developed for the management of childhood obesity in clinical practice, the implementation of these protocols by nurses in hospitals is often inconsistent and largely dependent on their knowledge and training.
This study will explore the level of awareness among nurses regarding childhood obesity and their ability to effectively manage the condition in children at UATH. Understanding the existing knowledge gaps and management practices is critical for addressing childhood obesity effectively within the Nigerian healthcare context.
Statement of the problem
Childhood obesity has reached alarming levels in Nigeria, with serious long-term health consequences. However, there is a lack of research examining the level of awareness and the effectiveness of management strategies employed by nurses, particularly in teaching hospitals like UATH. It is essential to assess whether nurses are equipped with the necessary knowledge to identify, manage, and prevent childhood obesity and whether current hospital protocols are being followed to address this issue. The gap between existing guidelines and actual practice may hinder the successful management of childhood obesity, necessitating a study that evaluates these aspects in the context of UATH.
Objectives of the study
To assess nurses' awareness of childhood obesity and its health implications at UATH.
To evaluate the management strategies employed by nurses in handling childhood obesity at UATH.
To identify the challenges faced by nurses in managing childhood obesity at UATH.
Research questions
What is the level of awareness of childhood obesity among nurses at UATH?
What management strategies do nurses at UATH use to address childhood obesity in children?
What challenges do nurses at UATH face in managing childhood obesity?
Research hypotheses
Nurses at UATH have inadequate awareness of childhood obesity and its health implications.
There is a significant association between nurses’ awareness of childhood obesity and the management strategies employed.
Nurses at UATH face significant challenges in managing childhood obesity due to inadequate resources, training, and support.
Scope and limitations of the study
The study will focus on nurses working in the pediatric, outpatient, and dietetics departments of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital. It will assess their awareness and management practices concerning childhood obesity. One of the limitations of the study could be the limited sample size, as only a subset of nurses at UATH will be surveyed. Additionally, the study might be subject to biases in self-reported data on management practices.
Definitions of terms
Childhood Obesity: A medical condition characterized by excess body fat in children, which is typically measured using the Body Mass Index (BMI) for age.
Awareness: The understanding and recognition of the causes, implications, and management of childhood obesity.
Management Strategies: Approaches used by nurses to address childhood obesity, including diet modification, physical activity promotion, and referrals to specialists.
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