Background
Childhood obesity is increasing globally. Primary care doctors are well-positioned to identify children with obesity. This study aimed to assess the usage of clinical practice guidelines (CPG) to determine obesity and the knowledge of primary care doctors regarding childhood obesity.
Methods
An online survey was conducted between November 2023 and February 2024 among primary care doctors in Klang Valley, Malaysia. The questions assessed doctors’ knowledge, practices, beliefs, and usage of the CPG in managing childhood obesity.
Results
There were 246 participants during the study period. Among the doctors, 101 (41%) knew the correct definition of “childhood overweight” while 120 (49%) doctors used the CPG. Doctors using the CPG had higher odds of knowing the correct management (odds ratio [OR], 2.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30–5.41; P=0.006). Doctors using the CPG had higher odds of screening for childhood obesity complications and measuring body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and pubertal status. Multivariate analysis showed that doctors working in government clinics (OR, 3.56; 95% CI, 2.01–6.32; P<0.001), having postgraduate training (OR, 3.95; 95% CI, 2.08–7.51; P<0.001) and having worked less than 5 years (OR, 4.53; 95% CI, 1.85–11.08; P<0.001) had higher odds of using the CPG. Doctors working in government clinics (OR, 5.93; 95% CI, 1.95–18.05; P=0.002) and used the CPG (OR, 7.26; 95% CI, 2.09–25.27; P=0.002) had higher odds of measuring the BMI.
Conclusion
Knowledge regarding diagnosis and management of childhood obesity among primary care doctors is still lacking. CPG on childhood obesity could be a useful tool for improving the diagnosis, management, and screening of childhood obesity.

Citations

• Family medicine for all stages of life: turning knowledge into actionable care
  Joung Sik Son
  Korean Journal of Family Medicine.2026; 47(2): 95.     CrossRef

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