Date of Publication

2024

Project Team

Jennifer Laurent, PhD., APRN

Abstract

Background: More than 25% of Vermont high school students were considered overweight or obese in 2019. Several factors contribute to obesity including poor nutrition, reduced physical activity and excess screen time. Obesity in adolescence increases the risk for obesity in adulthood with early onset of many cardiometabolic health conditions.

Objective: Implementation of an evidence-based toolkit to increase patient and family knowledge about healthy behaviors.

Methods: Adolescents with a BMI in the 85-95th percentile completed healthy behavior screenings prior to wellness visits. Primary care providers (PCP), guided by the screening, tailored implementation of the toolkit to educate patients and families on healthy behaviors. Adolescent knowledge was assessed using the teach back method. Patients, PCPs and nurses provided post-implementation feedback via surveys.

Results: A total of 34 adolescents completed the healthy behavior screenings, with 53% identifying a desire for change. Three (8%) adolescents completed the post-survey, 100% reported receiving helpful information. Five PCPs and seven nurses completed the survey. Eighty percent of PCPs reported they were better able to discuss healthy behaviors and would use the toolkit in future practice. Eighty percent of the PCPs and 100% of the nurses felt that the toolkit improved quality of care. All PCPs reported that patients demonstrated increased healthy behavior knowledge.

Conclusion: The toolkit was acceptable, feasible and beneficial for discussing healthy behaviors during well visits. Clinicians reported an increase in care quality while patients indicated increased knowledge.

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

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Available for download on Saturday, May 02, 2026

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