Apply Today

If you are looking for a rewarding career
in online therapy apply today!

APPLY NOW

Sign Up For a Demo Today

Does your school need
Online Therapy Services

SIGN UP

Predicting Treatment Attrition in Youths with Obesity: Insights for Practitioners

Predicting Treatment Attrition in Youths with Obesity: Insights for Practitioners

Introduction

In the realm of pediatric healthcare, particularly in managing obesity, understanding why some youths discontinue treatment is crucial. A recent study titled "Can health indicators and psychosocial characteristics predict attrition in youths with overweight and obesity seeking ambulatory treatment?" provides valuable insights. Conducted in a pediatric clinic in Luxembourg, this research identifies key predictors of treatment dropout, offering a data-driven approach to enhancing patient retention and outcomes.

Key Findings

The study analyzed 191 youths aged 7-17 years, assessing demographic, health, and psychosocial factors before they began an ambulatory weight management program. The findings revealed several predictors of treatment attrition:

Implications for Practitioners

For practitioners, these findings highlight the importance of early identification of at-risk youths. By utilizing simple screening tools, such as the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and items from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey, practitioners can better tailor interventions to individual needs. Here are some practical steps:

Encouraging Further Research

While this study provides a strong foundation, further research is needed to explore additional factors influencing treatment adherence. Future studies could investigate the role of family dynamics, cultural influences, and the impact of different treatment modalities on retention rates.

Conclusion

By understanding the predictors of treatment attrition, practitioners can enhance their approach to managing pediatric obesity. The integration of health indicators and psychosocial characteristics into treatment planning can lead to more effective and sustained outcomes. For those interested in delving deeper into the research, the original study offers a comprehensive analysis of these factors.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Can health indicators and psychosocial characteristics predict attrition in youths with overweight and obesity seeking ambulatory treatment? Data from a retrospective longitudinal study in a paediatric clinic in Luxembourg.


Citation: Pit-ten Cate, I. M., Samouda, H., Schierloh, U., Jacobs, J., Vervier, J. F., Stranges, S., Lair, M. L., & de Beaufort, C. (2017). Can health indicators and psychosocial characteristics predict attrition in youths with overweight and obesity seeking ambulatory treatment? Data from a retrospective longitudinal study in a paediatric clinic in Luxembourg. BMJ Open. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014811
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

Apply Today

If you are looking for a rewarding career
in online therapy apply today!

APPLY NOW

Sign Up For a Demo Today

Does your school need
Online Therapy Services

SIGN UP

Apply Today

If you are looking for a rewarding career
in online therapy apply today!

APPLY NOW

Sign Up For a Demo Today

Does your school need
Online Therapy Services

SIGN UP