November 2010 Summary

Everyone had wonderful responses to the questions posed this month. Most everyone agreed on their conclusions and provided intelligent and useful feedback. Everyone agreed that the results of this study would be very applicable to dietetics practice and beneficial in helping increase the health and wellness of children and their families.

For question one, the overall response was that these specific limitations were unavoidable. For this type of research study, there is not another feasible way to collect data other than self-reporting. Also, this age group is a relevant population to study in addition to other age groups.

Melanie had a great point that disordered eating is being seen in children as young as 7. Therefore it is important to examine this age group and identify any disordered

Sarah Gervais mentioned comparing age groups. This would provide a wider view of disordered eating patterns in a variety of ages. This data could then be more applicable to practice outside of this young age group.

Anna had a good point along the same lines. She mentioned having a long-term study or conducting a follow-up study. This would provide a means to gather more reliable data and see any changes in eating patterns and behaviors over a longer period of time. Time and money are always factors, but this is one possible solution.

For question two, everyone agreed that the results of this study would be extremely beneficial in dietetics practice. Many mentioned that the results show that behavior modification and parental involvement can lead to successful weight loss without disordered eating behaviors in this age group. Sandi G. suggested that dietitians should provide more programs for children and their families that are convenient. This is an important point that Anna and Sarah Udell also mentioned. Nighttime and weekend programs would be necessary and the most convenient for family interventions.

Kara mentioned that the participants of the interventions can share the knowledge they gain with other family members, friends, or other people in their school or community. This is a great point. These initial participants spread the word about their success and possibly gain the interest of other individuals.

For question three, the consensus was there were no significant differences in the data because these children are still at an age where they are dependent on their parents. The parents may have quite the influence over the information they receive and the corresponding actions of the children.

Sandi G, Meredith and Kara all had good points. The data was self-reported, so the parents may want to appear more responsible and like they and their children have healthy habits, when in reality, they may not. The parents may not want to admit that their child(ren) have any disordered eating behaviors and may falsify data.

Bethany had a good idea for a possible follow-up survey that excluded the parents from one of the interventions. This methodology may provide a more accurate picture of how the children along are affected by the behavior modification.

Overall, everyone did very well responding to the questions this month. There were good suggestions for use of the data in practice and also for follow-up or additional studies. The results of this study just emphasized what has been discussed in the journal club in the past; parents are extremely important in any type of nutrition intervention or behavior modification with children.