Examining the Accuracy and Use of Portion Size Estimation Aids in Parents of Children With Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine parents' (1) accuracy in using portion size estimation aids (PSEAs) to estimate portion sizes and (2) use of PSEAs at home. METHODS: Parents (n = 37) of children in a pediatric weight management clinic were recruited, enrolled in a parallel-design, randomized, controlled trial, and assigned to receive a 2-dimensional (2D) or 3D PSEA. Percent absolute estimation accuracy was examined across groups and food types. Survey responses were organized according to frequencies and percentages were calculated. RESULTS: Main effects of group, food type, and group × food type interaction were significant (all P < .05). The 2D PSEAs yielded more accurate estimates of portion sizes for amorphous foods. Overall, parents' estimation accuracy was poor. Participants were satisfied and found the PSEAs to be useful. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The 2D PSEAs led to greater accuracy in estimating portions of amorphous foods. Parents showed poor accuracy in estimating portion sizes. This study highlights the role of dietitians and nutrition educators in enhancing portion estimation accuracy.

Recommendations From Parents to Improve Health Services for Managing Pediatric Obesity in Canada.

OBJECTIVE: Although parents are uniquely positioned to offer first-hand insights that can be used to improve health services for managing pediatric obesity, their perspective is underexplored. Our objective was to characterize parents' recommendations for enhancing tertiary-level health services for managing pediatric obesity in Canada. METHODS: Semistructured, one-on-one interviews were conducted with parents of children who initiated treatment at 1 of 4 Canadian tertiary-level, multidisciplinary weight management clinics. Parent perspectives were elicited regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the health services they received as well as areas for potential improvement. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. We used qualitative description as the methodological framework and manifest content analysis as the analytical strategy. RESULTS: Parents (n = 65; 88% female; 72% Caucasian; 74% with at least some postsecondary education; 52% >$50,000 CDN household income) provided a range of recommendations that were organized according to health care: 1) accessibility, 2) content, and 3) delivery. The most common recommendations included increasing scheduling options (44%; n = 29), tailoring services to families' needs and circumstances (29%; n = 19), placing greater emphasis on physical activity (29%; n = 19), altering program duration (29%; n = 19), incorporating interactive elements (25%; n = 16), information provision (25%; n = 16), and providing services at sites closer to participants' homes (24%; n = 15). CONCLUSIONS: Parents' recommendations to enhance health services for managing pediatric obesity concerned modifiable factors related to accessibility, content, and delivery of care. Further research is needed to evaluate whether implementing suggested recommendations improves clinically relevant outcomes including attrition, quality of care, and success in weight management.