Objective: To examine the prevalence of psychosocial concerns presenting in 3 pediatric primary care clinics serving rural Appalachia. The association between pediatric weight status and psychosocial concerns was examined. Methods: Caregivers of children presenting in one of 3 pediatric primary care facilities completed a demographic questionnaire and the Pediatric Symptom Checklist. Results: Approximately 21.4% of children were identified as having a clinically significant behavioral health concern. Among children with available weight status data, ~53% of the children were identified as overweight. Children identified having significant behavioral concerns were more likely to have a lower weight status than those with nonsignificant behavioral concerns. Specifically, children with lower z-BMI tended to have more attention problems. Conclusions: Psychosocial concerns and childhood overweight are prevalent concerns in pediatric primary care serving rural residents. Further research is needed to understand the complex relationship between weight status and psychosocial concerns to development more effective prevention and intervention programs.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ETSU/oai:dc.etsu.edu:etd-3234 |
| Date | 19 December 2009 |
| Creators | Allen, Suzanne |
| Publisher | Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University |
| Source Sets | East Tennessee State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Electronic Theses and Dissertations |
| Rights | Copyright by the authors. |
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