It is evident that childhood obesity has emerged as one of the growing global pandemics in healthcare sector. It is against this reason that empirical studies on childhood obesity have been intensified alongside enacting policies and strategies on how to curb this anomaly and encourage healthy living. Furthermore, numerous recommendations have been implemented based on the findings obtained from research studies in order to identify effective strategies that can be put in place to eradicate child obesity. Urgent actions have been taken by national decision makers in most states. However, it is imperative to note that these efforts have been faced by several challenges. For instance, from the previous reviews, it is evident that several environmental strategies have been used in response to diminishing child obesity irrespective of the challenges. Extensive research has also provided people with a criterion on the possible causes and means of eradicating child obesity. In this case, this paper aims at reviewing the external and internal validity of the research carried out on reduction of child obesity.
Meyers (2009) confirms the claim that child obesity has increasingly become prevalent among children aged between 6 and11 years. According to research evidences, it is apparent that the pediatric complications associated with obesity prolongs from childhood to adulthood. A valid evidence derived form the research indicates that there are health indicators that accompany children who are obese. Such health indicators include blood pressure, increased linear growth, hepatic problems and aged bones. Statistics have shown that 20% of children in USA are susceptible to obesity. Furthermore, it is explicit that child obesity has become a global pandemic. This document aim to support the research obtained on child obesity giving a concise and acceptable validity thus evaluate its scientific merit.
According to Krebs et al (2007), it is evident that child obesity is caused by poor dietary intake. The authors confirm that feeding children with food rich in fats and calories has been a major contributing factor towards childhood obesity. Moreover, there are other factors such as lack of enough exercise, genetic susceptibility and illnesses that are equally worrying as far as obesity is concerned. Research done on how to reduce child obesity has been supported by Sherry (2005). From the research conducted, the main objective was to identify effective means in which child obesity can be reduced. Sherry (2005) adds that some of the proposed solutions include proper exercise and taking appropriate diet. She also asserts that parents should be intensely engaged in teaching and finding out the type of diet given to their children.
From the past research done, Burns and Grove (2009) concur that innovations have been proposed to reduce infant morbidity and mortality. One of the evidence based practice (EBP) identified is education. In this case, Burns and Grove (2009) support the idea that pregnant mother should be educated on the possible signs and symptoms of obesity. Krebs et al (2007) confirms the allegation and insists that the symposiums should start at the prenatal and pre-term labor stages. Additionally, Meyers (2009) suggests that the proposed evidence-based practice (EBP) innovation will eventually ensure that parents are fully informed about the signs and symptoms of obesity. In line with this, adequate information gained will help them to seek guidance and medications incase they identify that their children are susceptible to obesity. Other than educating pregnant mothers, reports have shown that doctors and health practitioners should take the initiative and establish programs that will advocate for the need of exercises and good dietary. In this case, role of health care providers have been perceived as a form of evidence based practice to eradicate child obesity (Burns & Grove, 2009). Another evidenced based practice includes proper dietary and exercise among children. However, it is the role of the parent to advise their children on how best to go about it rather than leaving then to decide for themselves. Krebs et al (2007) emphasize on the essence of physical exercise in reducing obesity. That’s not withstanding, educating teachers has also been perceived as evidence based practice. In this case, the teacher will help children to take balanced diet and have exercise at school and homes. Finally, it is recommendable that physical facilities for exercise should be availed in schools and homes in order to ensure that children have adequate exercise daily (Mayer, 2009).
Sufficient Research Support Base
Meyer (2009) reiterates that most past researches on the proposed solutions on how to decimate child obesity were very limited with most conducted in the late 1980’s and 1990’s. Researchers, in their current research study reports cited these past study reports concerning focal topics as implementing education programs for pregnant women and home uterine monitoring (Burns & Grove, 2009). However, there is no current research studies to date that have been conducted or published concerning this much-needed evaluation-type of research and the development of workable and viable strategies, which have confirmed to reduce the morbidity and mortality rate of infants. Research done indicates that, unless the problem of child obesity is checked, the rate will increase tremendously all over the world. Anon (2007) supports this claim as he acknowledges that quite a big number of children have increasingly been exposed to the various risks associated with obesity. Sherry (2007) identifies such risks as orthopedic problems, hypertension, depression, respiratory complications and obesity. This claim has been seconded by Anon (2007) who asserts that 80% of United States children alone have one or two of the perceived risks.
Compelling Research Support Base
Throughout the research, three studies were identified and considered as relevant to the innovation described above. The studies included two quantitative and one qualitative as it is indicated in the appendix section below. The external validity of the research on reduction of child obesity was based on the fact that both qualitative and quantitative data were obtained. This increased the clarity and accuracy of the findings. Moreover, internal validity was achieved by the fact that the research was based on the right target group. In this case, target population included healthy women who obtain care from private practitioners. Moreover, Convenience sample obtained from obstetric practices.
From the findings derived in this theoretical research study, it is evident that there is a relatively high level of heterogeneity when compared to other researches conducted in the past (Burns & Grove, 2009). However, the research was prone to certain limitations including unreliable response toward the established questions. However, the research based evidences were obtained through a collaborative effort from the target group and clinical experts. For this reason, it is clear from the review that best responses were derived from the research and any form of possible bias was equally clarified.
References
Anon. (2007). Effective dietary interventions for overweight and obese children, Australian Nursing Journal, 14(11): 31-4.
Burns, N., & Grove, S.K. (2009). The practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence. St. Louis: Saunders Elsevier.
Krebs, N. et al. (2007). Assessment of Child and Adolescent Overweight and Obesity. Pediatrics: Supplement, 120, S193.
Mayer, K. (2009). Childhood Obesity Prevention: Focusing on the Community Food Environment. Family and Community Health, 32(3): 257.
Sherry, B. (2005). Food behaviors and other strategies to prevent and treat pediatric overweight. International Journal of Obesity, 29(S2), S116-26.