Study of the knowledge and practices of the physicians in Mansoura and Zagazig in regard to early childhood obesity.

Abstract

Background: The study aims to assess the awareness of health care providers regarding early childhood obesity in terms of their daily clinical practice and their knowledge of its common comorbidities. Hopefully, our study will drive more attention and raise the awareness of health care providers and the medical community to the magnitude of this health problem.
Methods: The survey was conducted using a questionnaire of two parts to collect data that help to assess the awareness of health care providers in Zagazig and Mansoura hospitals and primary healthcare units regarding early childhood obesity.
Results: Data collected showed that growth charts are not routinely used at every visit nonetheless when used correct definitions and long-term complications were not properly identified by a significant percentage of the respondents.
Conclusion: there is inadequate knowledge and awareness of healthcare professionals in Zagazig and Mansoura regarding childhood obesity therefore training programs are required on a national scale to tackle such a serious health problem.