Date of Award

January 2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Yale University School of Nursing

First Advisor

Elizabeth Doyle

Abstract

Pediatric obesity has doubled over the past four decades, affecting 19.7% of children in the United States. This chronic, complex condition is shaped by the social determinants of health, particularly among marginalized minorities such as the Hmong community. Obesity not only increases morbidity and mortality but also accounts for 20% of U.S. health expenditures. The objective of this quality improvement project was to develop and implement an obesity education and counseling program for Hmong adolescents aged 13-17 years with obesity in a primary care clinic, incorporating motivational interviewing and culturally sensitive diet counseling to promote healthy eating and physical activity. This project aimed to reduce weight, body mass index, and body mass index percentile, improve adolescents’ self-efficacy, and increase readiness to change. Of the 48 eligible patients, 13 consented to participate and nine completed the six-week program. The program led to a statistically significant weight reduction (p = .0071) and improved confidence in avoiding overeating and engaging in exercise. However, no significant changes were observed in body mass index and body mass index percentile. Motivational interviews and culturally sensitive diet counseling are valuable strategies for addressing pediatric obesity. However, comprehensive and sustained interventions are necessary to improve body composition.

Comments

This thesis is restricted to Yale network users only. It will be made publicly available on 07/11/2026

Download

Share

COinS