Kwalitatieve evaluatiestudie van de ketenaanpak overgewicht bij kinderen in gemeente Oss

Abstract

Background: Treating overweight in children effectively appears difficult; early screening is insufficiently executed and the desired result is often not obtained. The municipality of Oss works with a new method, network approach obesity (KoOss), which was developed in the Netherlands to prevent these treatment problems and support overweight children to grow up healthy. Aim: The aim of this qualitative evaluation study is to provide insight in the experiences of professionals and parents working with KoOss and to provide an understanding of the results they experience. Method: Purposive sampling was used to conduct interviews with 14 professionals and 2 parents in the municipality of Oss. Data was analysed using the stepwise spiral of analysis. Results: Overall, professionals and parents were satisfied to work with KoOss. According to the professionals different elements contributed to the added value of KoOss: professionals could connect to the questions and needs of parents and children, a broad view on obesity was used and integral cooperation between professionals existed. Parents were satisfied with KoOss as well, because professionals listened to them carefully and provided them with concrete advice. Possible points of improvement for KoOss were improving the communication between professionals and to start monitoring and sharing the results thus far. Conclusion: KoOss meets a social need and is theoretically sound. The first experiences of professionals and parents with KoOss are positive, as well as the expected results. Further research into the effectiveness of KoOss is necessary.