Childhood Obesity Crisis, Capstone Project Example

Nursing: Capstone Project- Childhood Obesity Crisis

Module 1-Identifying the Problem

Setting And Context Of The Childhood Obesity CrisisWith Reference To The Project

Childhood Obesity and the existing crisis phenomenon are selected to be researched in this capstone project utilizing the PICO model intervention strategy. For this setting Patient refers to obese children; Intervention, application of clinically tested techniques; Comparison relates to non- obese children within the same age group and Outcome,  reducing the crisis level by eliminating causes of obesity.

This is undertaken within the contextual framework that childhood obesity is at a crisis level in America and other countries in the world. If children are future adults therefore, childhood obesity escalating to a crisis standard must be harnessed to ensure a healthy world tomorrow.

Description of Childhood Obesity Crisis

Recent statistics have shown where 16-33 % of children and adolescents in the United States of America are obese. Further, the rate has doubled in the ages 2-5 years and tripled in 6-11age range. It is considered by pediatricians as being easy to diagnose, but very difficult to treat creating the crisis which now exists (Barnes, 2011)

Implications of the Childhood Obesity Crisis

Implications of this crisis are quite obvious. It has become a grave public health concern and a social issue, which needs to addressed within and without the health care arena. As such, the far reaching effects are immense, ranging from ill health to reduction in life expectancy rates for this generation of children.

Significance To Nursing Education And Service

Public health nurses, especially, those specialized in maternal and child health care are now faced with the dilemma of educating across cultural boundaries, sensitizing parents that obesity is not a sign of great health, but alternatively malnutrition. Maybe, public health nurses have to become more culturally alert to practice cultural competence in every aspect of this intervention.

Projected Solutions

It must be noted that solutions at this point can only be speculations until scientifically tested to become beneficial in resolving the obesity crisis among children internationally. From statistical data childhood obesity is a crisis affecting children in developed nations. As such, one of the first solutions is to an international campaign sensitizing communities towards health eating practices not only for children but adults.

Most often obese children are the products of obese parents. Essentially they are the main contributors towards this childhood obesity crisis apart from the major influence of fast food chain which promise a healthier diet that could be prepared in the confines of a home kitchen.

Reference

Barnes Jeff (2011) Childhood Obesity Statistics. Retrieved (2011, Nov 1) fromhttp://www.stop-childhood-obesity.com/childhood-obesity-statistics.html