The educational dimension of control of weight
Galvez, G.
Enfoques en Atencion Primaria 3(1): 19-26
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0716-2774 PMID: 12281874 Document Number: 359966
42 well baby visits conducted by nurses in a clinic in Santiago, Chile, were analyzed regarding information and advice given to mothers about their children's weight. The analysis was based on the verbal interaction between mothers and nurses as recorded by an observer. 4 visits included comments on the current weight of the child, 18 on weight gain since the last visit, and 20 on current weight and weight gain. Most of the information given to mothers was qualitative. 29 of the nurses' commentaries regarding current weight and weight gain were clear and unambiguous, 11 were ambiguous or insufficient, and 2 were contradictory. Despite the brief and limited nature of the interaction the mothers demonstrated that they considered the weight information important. The child's diet and appetite were the main subject of dialogue. Children with insufficient weight gain were referred to the nutritionist, and those gaining well were allowed to wait longer between controls. None of the few overweight children were referred to the nutritionist. The objective of the weighings of healthy children is to orient mothers to proper care and feeding of their children as a contribution to optimal development. Given the limited time assigned to each well baby visit, it might be more productive and efficient to remove general orientation on weight and nutrition from the duties of the nurses at each visit and provide most of the routine information to small groups of mothers using teaching aids such as pamphlets or cassettes. The nurses would then be able to focus more completely on the specific information and indications needed for each child, and would have time to discuss any initiatives of the mother and ascertain the mother's opinion as to the feasibility of the proposed indications. Interactions between nurses and mothers could be filmed and analyzed by the nurses and their supervisors as an exercise to improve communication. The proposed program would reduce costs of well baby visits over the medium term, considering how much time is currently devoted to general orientation on nutrition and weight.