title: School-based BMI and body composition screening and parent notification in California: methods and messages.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  School-based body mass index (BMI) or body composition screening is increasing, but little is known about the process of parent notification. Since 2001, California has required annual screening of body composition via the FITNESSGRAM, with optional notification. This study sought to identify the prevalence of parental notification when screening is required but notification is optional, and the methods and messages used.
  
  
  METHODS
  Researchers conducted phone interviews with 851 school districts (89%) in California and reviewed notification materials from 54 districts.
  
  
  RESULTS
  As of 2008, 53% of California districts notified parents of screening results. Many districts (24%) did not know the reason for their notification policy. Most districts notified parents via a letter mailed home (70%) or sent home with the child (18%). Whereas 79% of sample letters provided students' BMI, only 12% provided an explanation of BMI, and only half provided tips on what parents should do if concerned about their child's results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In California, where body composition screening is required but parent notification is not, approximately half of school districts elect to notify parents of results, most commonly via letter. Most letters do not explain BMI or percent body fat scores, nor do they suggest what parents should do for a child identified as at-risk. Further research to identify interpretable and actionable notification messages for parents will be critical if school-based BMI and body composition screening and notification is to reduce childhood obesity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, 3333 California Street, Box 0503, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA. madsenk@peds.ucsf.edu
authors.forename: Kristine A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Madsen
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Linchey
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002140:California; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006291:Health Policy; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D035622:Parental Notification; D010290:Parents; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012572:School Health Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000458:organization & administration; D013223:Statistics as Topic