Australian General Practitioners' Perspectives on Childhood Obesity Management

Abstract

Aim

Childhood obesity is a public health challenge, with 26.1% of Australian children aged between 2 and 17 years classified as overweight or obese in 2022. General practitioners (GPs) are the most frequently accessed healthcare providers for children. This project aims to provide a contemporary insight into current childhood obesity management practices among Australian GPs, including perceived barriers and enablers.

Method

A 20-question survey was developed by a multidisciplinary team including a paediatric endocrinologist, GP registrar, paediatric registrar and medical student. The HealthMap database distributed the survey to registered Australian GPs using a Quality Audit Reporting System. Free-text responses were thematically analysed using Braun and Clarke's qualitative descriptive methodology. Ethics approval was granted by the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee.

Results

There were 199 responses, of which 92% (n = 183) were GP Fellows. Most respondents were from New South Wales (34.7%, n = 69) and Victoria (27.6%, n = 55). A majority (60.3%, n = 120) practised in major cities, with 18.1% (n = 36) based in outer regional areas. Thematic analysis identified key barriers to obesity management: difficulty engaging families, limited referral pathways for multidisciplinary care, inadequate public health interventions and underutilisation of national resources.

Conclusion

Participating Australian GPs identified significant challenges in managing childhood obesity, particularly limited awareness of available resources and referral pathways. Improving the dissemination of existing services, strengthening clinical support and enhancing multidisciplinary care pathways may help support GPs in delivering effective, obesity-targeted care.