A collaborative approach to develop an intervention to strengthen health visitors' role in prevention of excess weight gain in children.

BACKGROUND: The high prevalence of childhood obesity is a concern for public health policy and practitioners, leading to a focus on early prevention. UK health visitors (HVs) are well-positioned to prevent excessive weight gain trends in pre-school children but experience barriers to implementing guideline recommended practices. This research engaged with HVs to design an intervention to strengthen their role in prevention of early childhood obesity. METHODS: We describe the processes we used to develop a behaviour change intervention and measures to test its feasibility. We conducted a systematic review to identify factors associated with implementation of practices recommended for prevention of early childhood obesity. We carried out interactive workshops with HVs who deliver health visiting services in County Durham, England. Workshop format was informed by the behaviour change wheel framework for developing theory-based interventions and incorporated systematic review evidence. As intended recipients of the intervention, HVs provided their views of what is important and acceptable in the local context. The findings of the workshops were combined in an iterative process to inform the four steps of the Implementation Intervention development framework that was adapted as a practical guide for the development process. RESULTS: Theoretical analysis of the workshop findings revealed HVs' capabilities, opportunities and motivations related to prevention of excess weight in 0-2 year olds. Intervention strategies deemed most likely to support implementation (enablement, education, training, modelling, persuasion) were combined to design an interactive training intervention. Measures to test acceptability, feasibility, and fidelity of delivery of the proposed intervention were identified. CONCLUSIONS: An interactive training intervention has been designed, informed by theory, evidence, and expert knowledge of HVs, in an area of health promotion that is currently evolving. This research addresses an important evidence-practice gap in prevention of childhood obesity. The use of a systematic approach to the development process, identification of intervention contents and their hypothesised mechanisms of action provides an opportunity for this research to contribute to the body of literature on designing of implementation interventions using a collaborative approach. Future research should be directed to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention.

Obesity in children and adolescents: An overview.

Childhood obesity is an epidemic in the US. This article discusses the evolution, prevention, and associated physical and psychosocial consequences of and interventions for obesity in the pediatric population.

Theoretical model of nursing care for children with obesity.

OBJECTIVES: to describe a theoretical model of nursing care for children with obesity in Primary Health Care. METHODS: Grounded Theory and the theoretical/philosophical framework of Virginia Henderson were used. The research was conducted in Family Basic Health Units and in Specialized Services in the city of Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil. A total of 24 participants composed four sample groups. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, between April and October 2015, and analyzed by the constant comparison method. The analysis occurred by initial coding, construction of diagrams and memos, axial coding, selective coding and reflection on the paradigm and on the emerging theory. RESULTS: six categories emerged from the data. Nurses worrying about the care of children with obesity as a neglected area in Primary Health Care was the theoretical model. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the phenomenon is related to the individuality of nursing care and the need for shared responsibilities.

Leveraging School Nurse Expertise to Meet Children's Health and Nutrition Needs in Afterschool Programs.

The National Association of School Nurses' position statement clarifies the role of school nurses in afterschool activities is to assess, plan, and evaluate the health needs of students in programs that extend beyond the regular school day. School nurses leverage their expertise as trusted and caring providers to deliver health promotion education in the school setting. They can partner with afterschool programs to assess students' healthy eating and physical activity. The purpose of this article is to describe an exemplar assessment of Healthy Eating and Physical Activity in one afterschool program and discuss approaches to address preventable factors associated with childhood obesity.

Theoretical model of nursing care for children with obesity / Modelo teórico de cuidado del enfermero para el niño con problemas de obesidad / Modelo teórico de cuidado do enfermeiro à criança com obesidade

ABSTRACT Objectives: to describe a theoretical model of nursing care for children with obesity in Primary Health Care. Methods: Grounded Theory and the theoretical/philosophical framework of Virginia Henderson were used. The research was conducted in Family Basic Health Units and in Specialized Services in the city of Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil. A total of 24 participants composed four sample groups. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, between April and October 2015, and analyzed by the constant comparison method. The analysis occurred by initial coding, construction of diagrams and memos, axial coding, selective coding and reflection on the paradigm and on the emerging theory. Results: six categories emerged from the data. Nurses worrying about the care of children with obesity as a neglected area in Primary Health Care was the theoretical model. Final Considerations: the phenomenon is related to the individuality of nursing care and the need for shared responsibilities.

RESUMEN Objetivos: describir el modelo teórico de atención de enfermería para niños con obesidad en la Atención Primaria de Salud. Métodos: se utilizó la Teoría Basada en Datos y el marco teórico/filosófico de Virginia Henderson. La investigación se realizó en diversas Unidades Básicas de Salud Familiar y Servicios Especializados en Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brasil. Hubo 24 participantes que formaron cuatro grupos de muestra. Los datos se recogieron mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas, entre abril y octubre de 2015 y se analizaron mediante el método de comparación constante. El análisis se realizó utilizando la codificación inicial, la construcción de diagramas y memorandos, la codificación axial, selectiva y la reflexión sobre el paradigma y la teoría emergente. Resultados: de los datos surgieron seis categorías. El modelo teórico estaba constituido por el enfermero preocupado con el cuidado de niños con obesidad como área desatendida en la Atención Primaria. Consideraciones Finales: el fenómeno traspasa la individualidad de la atención del enfermero y se depara con la necesidad de una responsabilidad compartida.

RESUMO Objetivos: descrever o modelo teórico de cuidado do enfermeiro com crianças com obesidade na Atenção Básica de Saúde. Métodos: utilizou-se da Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados e na referencial teórico/filosófico de Virginia Henderson. A pesquisa foi realizada em Unidades Básicas de Saúde da Família e Serviços Especializados, em Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brasil. Com 24 participantes que formaram quatro grupos amostrais. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista semiestruturada, entre abril a outubro 2015, e analisados pelo método de comparação constante. A análise realizou-se pela codificação inicial, construção de diagramas e memorandos, codificação axial, seletiva e reflexão sobre o paradigma e a teoria emergente. Resultados: seis categorias emergiram dos dados. Constitui o modelo teórico a preocupação do enfermeiro com o cuidado à criança com obesidade como área negligenciada na Atenção Básica. Considerações Finais: o fenômeno perpassa a individualidade do cuidado do enfermeiro e se depara com a necessidade de uma responsabilidade compartilhada.

Promoção da saúde em adolescentes com obesidade: intervenção do enfermeiro / Health promotion in obese adolescents: nurse's intervention

A obesidade segundo a Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) é a epidemia global do século XXI, tendo a sua incidência triplicado desde a década de 70 (Akram et al., 2000). Em 2016, cerca de 340 milhões de crianças e adolescentes acima dos 5 anos tinham excesso de peso ou eram obesos, um valor 10 vezes mais elevado do que há cerca de 40 anos (WHO, 2017). É na adolescência que a preocupação relativamente à prevalência da obesidade aumenta, pois, a evidência demonstra que adolescentes obesos têm uma probabilidade de 70% de serem obesos aos 30 anos. ( Machado, 2015; Simmonds, Llewellyn, Owen, & Woolacott, 2016). Desta forma a promoção da saúde neste grupo etário é crucial, de forma a reverter a obesidade e a aumentar a qualidade de vida dos adolescentes e futuros adultos. Assim, o Enfermeiro Especialista de Saúde Infantil e Pediátrica (EESIP) tem um papel fundamental ao intervir junto dos adolescentes obesos e família, implementando ações de promoção de saúde que incentivem à mudança de hábitos e estilos de vida, e atuando como catalisador e motivador. Revelouse então pertinente aprofundar conhecimentos na área da obesidade infantil e juvenil e desenvolver competências ao nível da promoção da saúde. Foi traçado um percurso formativo, baseado na filosofia de cuidados centrados na família e no Modelo de Promoção da Saúde de Nola Pender. Foram traçados como objetivos o de desenvolver competências de Enfermeiro Especialista em Enfermagem da Saúde Infantil e Pediatria no cuidar da criança, do jovem e família, nos processos de saúde e doença em diferentes etapas de desenvolvimento e o desenvolver cuidados de enfermagem promotores da saúde de adolescentes com obesidade e suas famílias. Através de uma análise crítica e reflexiva da prática, este relatório traduz as atividades desenvolvidas em diferentes contextos realçando a aquisição de conhecimentos e o desenvolvimento de um nível avançado de competências em Enfermagem.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is the global epidemic of the 21st century, and it´s incidence has tripled since the 1970s (Akram et al., 2000). In 2016, approximately 340 million children and adolescents over 5 years old were overweight or obese, a number 10 times higher than about 40 years ago (WHO, 2017). It is during the adolescence age that concern arises about the prevalence of obesity increase, as evidence shows that obese adolescents have a 70% probability of being obese at age 30. (Machado, 2015; Simmonds, Llewellyn, Owen, & Woolacott, 2016). In this way, health promotion interventions in this age group become crucial in order to reverse obesity and increase the quality of life for adolescents and future adults. In this matter, the role of a Nurse Specialist in Child Health and Pediatrics is crucial for intervening with the adolescents and their families, implementing health promotion actions and encouraging changes in their habits and lifestyles, acting as a catalyst and a motivator. Therefore, it is important to acquire knowledge about childhood and youth obesity to be able to develop skills in terms of health promotion at this level. A formative path was traced, based on a family centered care practice and in Nola Pender's Health Promotion Model. There were outlined the objectives of developing skills as a Nurse Specialist in Child Health and Pediatrics in caring for children, adolescents and their families, in health and disease processes at different stages of development and to develop nursing care that promotes the health of adolescents with obesity and their families. This report, based on a critical and reflective analysis of the practice, mirrors the activities developed in different contexts, highlighting the acquisition of knowledge and the development of an advanced level of skills in Nursing.

Planting a seed - child health care nurses' perceptions of speaking to parents about overweight and obesity: a qualitative study within the STOP project.

BACKGROUND: Nurses in child health care (CHC) centers in Sweden play a key role in the early detection and management of childhood overweight/obesity, through meeting families early, regularly and over many years. However, research focusing on CHC nurses' perceptions of their role in childhood overweight/obesity management is scarce. As part of the EU-funded project "Science and Technology in childhood Obesity Policy" (STOP), this study examines CHC nurses' perceptions of speaking to parents about children's overweight/obesity and of their role in referring children to treatment for overweight/obesity. METHODS: All registered CHC nurses in Stockholm County (n = 442) received an email invitation letter explaining the study. Individual face-to-face visits (n = 15) in selected centers, and phone calls (n = 24) to nurses working in these centres were also conducted. In total, 17 CHC nurses (all female, average work experience 6.7 years (SD ± 4.9 years)) from 10 municipalities (including four of the top five municipalities with the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity) in Stockholm County were interviewed. The interviews were conducted by phone, transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Two main themes were developed through the analysis: 1) The relationship between the nurse and the parent and 2) Glitch in the system. Under the first theme, nurses reported that weight-related discussions were facilitated by building and maintaining trust with parents. However, nurses also said they were reluctant to address children's weights if this could compromise parents' trust. Under the second theme, nurses highlighted several organizational barriers to addressing a child's weight with parents, including insufficient cooperation with other healthcare providers and limited time for visits. Nurses also identified lack of sufficient knowledge about what to offer the family and lack of confidence in their communication skills as additional barriers. CONCLUSIONS: We found that pediatric nurses perceive relational and organizational factors as barriers to address childhood obesity with parents. To improve care, it is necessary to provide nurses with continuing education about obesity and communication skills and organizational support to improve communication within the healthcare system. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03800823; 11 Jan 2019, prospectively registered.

Australian parents' experiences when discussing their child's overweight and obesity with the Maternal and Child Health nurse: A qualitative study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore parents' experiences when discussing child overweight issues with the Maternal and Child Health nurse. BACKGROUND: Community-based child and family health nurses are in a unique position to discuss child overweight and obesity with parents. However, studies of parents' experiences in this context are lacking. METHOD: Ten mothers of children identified as overweight or obese from regional Victoria, Australia, were interviewed in 2017. Data were analysed using an inductive qualitative thematic approach. The COREQ guidelines were used to ensure study rigour. RESULTS: In summary, the analysis revealed experiences of Maternal and Child Health nurses "brushing over" the topic, with a lack of information provided about how to tackle the problem at home. The interpersonal relationship aspect of continuity of care was described as facilitating awareness of the child's overweight, although mothers expressed confusion about what constituted a "healthy weight range." While some mothers perceived the nurse's role was to offer evidence-based information and support, others saw the family doctor as the appropriate health professional to address the problem. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that parents are often left unsure how to manage their child's weight despite the child being identified as overweight or obese by their Maternal and Child Health nurse. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Discussions about overweight and obesity may be facilitated by continuity of care where established relationships serve as a facilitator for effective communication. The findings further indicate a need for more structured support of Maternal and Child Health nurses working with parents of young children identified as overweight or obese, including ongoing education, skill development and improved understanding of parental health literacy and its links to childhood obesity.

Understanding engagement in a family-focused, multicomponent, childhood weight management programme delivered in the community setting.

OBJECTIVE: To describe public health nurses' (PHN) experiences of referring to, and families' experiences of being referred to, a multicomponent, community-based, childhood weight management programme and to provide insight into families' motivation to participate in and complete treatment. DESIGN: Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and the draw-and-write technique. SETTING: Two geographical regions in the south and west of Ireland.ParticipantsNine PHN involved in the referral process, as well as ten parents and nine children who were referred to and completed the programme, participated in the present study. RESULTS: PHN were afraid of misclassifying children as obese and of approaching the subject of excess weight with parents. Peer support from other PHN as well as training in how best to talk about weight with parents were potential strategies suggested to alleviate these fears. Parents recalled the anxiety provoked by the 'medical terminology' used during referral and their difficulty interpreting what it meant for the health of their child. Despite initial fears, concern for their children's future health was a major driver behind their participation. Children's enjoyment, the social support experienced by parents as well as staff enthusiasm were key to programme completion. CONCLUSIONS: The present study identifies the difficulties of referring families to community weight management programmes and provides practical suggestions on how to support practitioners in making referrals. It also identifies key positive factors influencing parents' decisions to enrol in community weight management programmes. These should be maximised by staff and policy makers when developing similar programmes.

Are Body Mass Index Screening Programs in Schools Enough? Body Mass Index Notification, Follow-up, and School Nurse Role.

Childhood and adolescent obesity are epidemic in the United States. Because of this crisis, schools in our nation have been challenged to develop strategies to decrease the number of overweight and obese youth, with many states passing legislation requiring body mass index (BMI) monitoring by the school. This may be done as a screening or surveillance program depending on the state, with some states requiring notification to parents. As school nurses are often the only health professional in the school, they are typically the employee tasked with leading the BMI screening programs. School nurses, both in states requiring and in states without requirements for BMI screening programs, must be knowledgeable about evidence-based programs and strategies that have promise in reversing the obesity epidemic. Indeed, school nurses are in a position to be an active participant in the fight against the obesity and overweight crisis.

The Effect of Nutrition and Sleep Habits on Predisposition for Metabolic Syndrome in Greek Children.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of lifestyle habits in childhood Metabolic Syndrome (MTS). DESIGN AND METHODS: Descriptive correlation study with 480 participants (5-12 years old) using a specially designed questionnaire was conducted. Anthropometric and biochemical analyses were performed. RESULTS: Fifteen percent of children exhibited predisposition for MTS. Regarding sleep habits, logistic regression analysis (LRA) showed that hour of sleep -before 22:00- was associated with decreased waist circumference (WC%) (p = .026). Midday siesta was negatively correlated with systolic (SBP) (p = .001) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p = .046). In children without MTS, lack of sleep and night time sleep was positively correlated with DBP (p = .044) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) (p = .005). Regarding nutrition habits, fast food consumption was positively correlated with SBP (p = .006) and meat consumption was positively correlated with both Body Mass Index% (BMI%) (p = .038) and WC% (p = .023). LRA showed that fruit (p = .001) and legume (p = .040) consumption was associated with decreased FBG; fish consumption with decreased Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (p = .031), vegetable (p = .054) and cereal consumption (p = .012) with decreased DBP. In children with MTS, fruits were associated with increased FBG (p = .034). In children without MTS, meat consumption was associated with increased LDL (p = .024), cereal with increased WC% (p = .002) and olive products with increased High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and BMI% (p = .037). CONCLUSIONS: The adoption of both balanced diet and sleep habits seemed to be crucial for the prevention of MTS. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Clinical health nurses could develop and implement preventive intervention programs in order to avoid metabolic complications in adulthood.

Addressing the Social Determinants of Health: A Call to Action for School Nurses.

Social determinants of health (SDOH), the conditions in which children are born, grow, live, work or attend school, and age, impact child health and contribute to health disparities. School nurses must consider these factors as part of their clinical practice because they significantly and directly influence child well-being. We provide clinical guidance for addressing the SDOH when caring for children with three common health problems (obesity, insufficient sleep, and asthma). Given their unique role as school-based clinical experts, care coordinators, and student advocates, school nurses are well suited to serve as leaders in addressing SDOH.

5-2-1-0 Activity and Nutrition Challenge for Elementary Students: New, Evidence-Based, Promising.

Obesity prevention in youth is a health priority, and teaching healthy habits toward this end is one of a school nurse's many responsibilities. A school nurse developed and implemented a school-wide, 2-week-long Activity and Nutrition Challenge (ANC) using the evidence-based 5-2-1-0 initiative to prevent and fight childhood obesity. Despite minimal promotion, nearly half of the students at two elementary schools participated and earned points by following the guidelines in the ANC. The amount of chocolate milk consumed by students dropped significantly during the ANC, showing that the healthy behavior of choosing beverages without added sugar had been positively impacted. Anecdotal evidence suggested positive changes in other healthy behaviors as well. This ANC was a new way for a school nurse to teach healthy habits to a large group of children in a short period of time, with limited extra work, and with promising results.

To break the weight gain-A qualitative study on the experience of school nurses working with overweight children in elementary school.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe the experiences of school nurses working with overweight schoolchildren. BACKGROUND: School nurses play an important role in health promotion of overweight children. Lifestyle changes and interventions to address being overweight can improve health outcomes and decrease the risk for future health problems. DESIGN: A descriptive and qualitative design with a phenomenological approach was used. Data were gathered through interviews with school nurses working with overweight schoolchildren in Swedish elementary school; the data were subsequently analysed for meanings. RESULTS: Working with overweight children was perceived as demanding and challenging by the school nurses who found conversations on this topic emotionally loaded and complex. In addition, the school nurses needed to be sensitive and supportive to succeed in their support for a healthier everyday life for the schoolchildren. It was stated as important to find ways to break the child's weight gain and to cooperate with the parents in this work. The children's decrease in weight was experienced to be more successful when making small, step-by-step changes together with the child and his or her parents. CONCLUSIONS: This study concludes that health talks about being overweight may be a challenge for school nurses. Strategies used to manage and succeed in this work included engaging in motivational conversations, working step by step and cooperating with the child's parents. Furthermore, the nurses experienced that they needed to provide emotional support for overweight children during school time. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The school nurses' health promotion needs to focus on how to break weight gain in overweight children. In this work, the nurses' sensitiveness seems pivotal. Further research is needed on school nurses' work with health promotion and support of overweight children concerning how to perform efficient communication and cooperation with the children and their parents.

Seizing the Moment: Experiences of School Nurses Caring for Students With Overweight and Obesity.

School nurses are well positioned to assess, intervene, and evaluate efforts to positively impact students who are overweight or obese. The purpose of this qualitative, descriptive study was to explore the experiences of school nurses providing care to children living with overweight and obesity. Data were collected through face-to-face, tape-recorded, in-depth, open-ended interviews with 10 school nurses from rural areas of North Carolina working with minority and low-income children in the public school setting. The text of the interviews was transcribed and analyzed into codes, categories, and themes. Three themes and eight subthemes were identified. The three themes were identified as (1) "jumping hurdles," (2) "seize the moment," and (3) "moral distress." The findings of this study can be used to provide a better understanding of the experiences of school nurses caring for children with overweight and obesity that is necessary for planning successful school-based interventions.

Factores asociados al sobrepeso y la obesidad infantil en España, según la última encuesta nacional de salud (2011) / Factors associated with overweight and childhood obesity in Spain according to the latest national health survey (2011)

Objective: To describe the factors associated with overweight/obesity in Spain according to the latest National Health Survey (2011). Method: Descriptive cross-sectional study with 3,752 children aged 2 to 15 years (boys=2,007; girls=1,745). Main variables: overweight; obesity; gender; level of education of the head of the family; monthly income; hours of sleep; physical exercise; hours of TV and/or computer use; daily breakfast; parents' weight perception. Diagnostic criterion was based on WHO growth patterns, defined overweight with +1SD and obesity, +2SD. Results: Boys more obese than girls. Children whose parents had a lower level of education, those who did not practice physical activity and whose parents had an income of less than 900€ per month showed a higher percentage of overweight/obesity. Conclusions: Children whose parents had a lower education and monthly income presented a higher percentage of obesity. Sleeping the recommended hours and doing some type of physical activity reduces obesity.

Objetivo: Descrever os fatores associados com sobrepeso/obesidade na Espanha, segundo dados da última Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (2011). Método: Estudo descritivo transversal com 3.752 crianças de 2 a 15 anos (meninos=2007; meninas=1.745). Principais variáveis: excesso de peso; obesidade; sexo; nível de escolaridade do chefe da família; renda mensal; horas de sono; exercício; horas de utilização da televisão e/ou computador; desjejum diário; percepção de obesidade dos pais. O diagnóstico baseou-se em padrões de crescimento da OMS, sendo o excesso de peso +1DP e a obesidade +2DP. Resultados: Meninos mais obesos que meninas. Crianças cujos pais tinham menos anos de estudo, aquelas que não praticam atividade física e cujos pais possuíam uma renda menor de 900 € mensal mostraram maior percentual de obesidade. Conclusão: Menor nível de escolaridade e baixa renda contribuem mais para a obesidade. Dormir as horas recomendadas e fazer algum tipo de atividade física reduz a obesidade.

Objetivo: Describir los factores asociados al sobrepeso/obesidad en España según datos de la última Encuesta Nacional de Salud (2011). Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal en población infantil de 2 a 15 años. Participaron 3752 individuos (niños n=2007 y niñas n=1745). Muestreo aleatorio polietápico estratificado. Principales variables: sobrepeso; obesidad; sexo; nivel de estudios del progenitor; ingresos mensuales; horas de sueño; ejercicio físico; horas de uso de televisión y/u ordenador; desayuno diario; percepción ponderal de los progenitores. Los criterios diagnósticos fueron los estándares de OMS, definiéndose sobrepeso con +1SD y obesidad, +2SD. Resultados: Niños más obesos que niñas. Niños/as cuyos progenitores presentaban un nivel de estudios bajo, niños/as que no hicieron ningún ejercicio y cuyos progenitores ganaron menos que 900€ mensuales presentaron un mayor sobrepeso/obesidad. Conclusión: Niños/as con progenitores con bajo nivel de estudios y de ingresos presentaron mayor obesidad. Dormir las horas recomendadas y hacer actividad física disminuye la obesidad.

Training Primary Care Providers in the Use of Motivational Interviewing for Youth Behavior Change.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Adolescent obesity is a global epidemic. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a promising strategy to address adolescent obesity risk behaviors. However, primary care providers (PCPs) tend to express discomfort with learning and adopting MI practices and with addressing patient weight issues. PCP proficiency in using MI to discuss body mass index, health screening results, and nutrition and physical activity behaviors after receiving training and coaching from an MI expert and practicing the technique was evaluated. We hypothesized that comfort with MI would increase consistently over time. METHODS: Self-assessment surveys in MI proficiency were administered to PCPs after every youth participant MI session. MI comfort as determined by proficiency was categorized into low, medium, and high comfort according to survey Likert scale responses. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-seven youth were seen for MI-based discussions by 4 PCPs. Two hundred twenty-six surveys had complete data for analysis. As anticipated, overall PCPs reported significantly more comfort with MI from the first to the final MI session over a 2- to 3-month period (p< .001). Comfort scores did not increase linearly over time for all PCPs. Despite standard training practices, overall MI proficiency as measured by comfort scores varied by PCP (p< .01). IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This type of MI training program should be considered for clinical nurses and nurse practitioners during their nursing education training to facilitate their ability to consistently and effectively support youth behavior change for conditions such as obesity (ClinicalTrials.gov Number NCT02502383).