title: Exploratory research to design a school nurse-delivered intervention to treat adolescent overweight and obesity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In preparation for a pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of a school nurse-delivered intervention, focus groups were conducted to gain insight into the perceptions of stakeholders regarding the design and implementation of the intervention.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen focus groups at participating schools. One hundred subjects, including overweight and obese high school students, parents, high school nurses, and staff.
  
  
  METHODS
  Stakeholders' perceptions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Focus groups were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Theme instances related to the research aim were identified, coded, and sorted into theme categories.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Major topics discussed included teen issues, family support, intervention implementation-related concerns, and curriculum content. Teen issues included dealing with peer pressure, avoiding emotional eating, and support from friends. Many participants thought it should be the teen's choice to involve parents. Confidentiality was the most commonly identified potential barrier to implementation. Recommendations for nutrition and physical activity curriculum content focused on concrete, practical strategies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results of this research provided insight into stakeholder's needs and perceptions regarding the content and structure of a school nurse-delivered intervention to treat adolescent overweight and obesity. Findings were used in the design and implementation of intervention protocols and materials.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-1920, USA. lgellar@utk.edu
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gellar
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Druker
authors.forename: Stavroula K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Osganian
authors.forename: Mary Ann
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Gapinski
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Lapelle
authors.forename: Lori
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pbert
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups / Q000379:methods*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D050177:Overweight / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D010290:Parents; D012573:School Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D012919:Social Behavior