ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: In recent decades, childhood obesity has become one of the major global health issues, with serious physical consequences (such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and osteoarticular disorders) and psychological consequences (low self esteem, isolation, and emotional distress) (Ali et al 2024). There are many causes, including poor eating habits, sedentary lifestyles, and excessive use of electronic devices. Early and multidisciplinary intervention is needed to address the problem (UNICEF, 2025). In this context, nurses play a key role in prevention and health promotion, especially through educational programs aimed at children and families (Nurses as Agents of Change in Childhood Obesity Through the Promotion of Peer Education Interventions. Schroeder K., Jia H., Wang Y.C., Smaldone A. 2017). The aim of the study is to review the literature on the role of nurses in the prevention of childhood obesity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The literature review was conducted by consulting the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, from which 10 articles that answered the research question were selected and extracted. Articles from the last 10 years were included, freely available in Italian and English, between 1 April 2025 and 20 October 2025. Articles that were subject to a fee or that included adult patients were excluded. RESULTS: Nursing and multidisciplinary interventions have shown significant reductions in BMI and improvements in healthy behaviours and quality of life in children (Schroeder et al., 2016). Effectiveness is greater in multicomponent programmes that integrate nutrition education, physical activity, psychological support and family involvement, especially in children with severe obesity and over the age of eight (Vitale et al., 2021). Parental involvement and continuity of intervention are crucial for success and sustainability. Home, school and community settings show different benefits depending on age, while in adolescents, dropout rates reduce the impact (Imperiali et al., 2025). ANALYSIS: Ten studies were analysed, examined on the basis of their introduction, objectives, materials and methods, data collection tools, discussion and conclusions, and subsequently classified by geographical origin and topic of reference. DISCUSSION: Childhood obesity is a complex problem with multiple causes that has serious physical and psychological consequences. Preventing it requires multidisciplinary interventions involving families, schools and communities. Nurses play a key role in promoting healthy lifestyles, educating children about nutrition and supporting families. The most effective interventions are those that can be adapted to the context and are supported by coordinated health policies. Only through collaboration between professionals, institutions and society is it possible to prevent and reduce paediatric obesity, promoting a healthier future for the younger generation. KEYWORDS: “Pediatrics, obesity, primary prevention, school nurses, educational nursing intervention, healthy eating, ambulatory care and family empowerment”.
ABSTRACT INTRODUZIONE: Negli ultimi decenni, l’obesità infantile è diventata una delle principali problematiche sanitarie globali, con gravi conseguenze fisiche (come diabete tipo 2, ipertensione e disturbi osteoarticolari) e psicologiche (bassa autostima, isolamento e disagio emotivo) (Ali et al 2024). Le cause sono molteplici, tra cui cattive abitudini alimentari, sedentarietà e uso eccessivo di dispositivi elettronici. Per affrontare il problema è necessario un intervento precoce e multidisciplinare (UNICEF, 2025). In questo contesto, l’infermiere ha un ruolo chiave nella prevenzione e nella promozione della salute, soprattutto attraverso programmi educativi rivolti a bambini e famiglie (L’infermiere Come Attore Del Cambiamento Nell’obesità Infantile Tramite La Promozione Di Interventi Di Peer Education. Schroeder K., Jia H., Wang Y.C., Smaldone A. 2017). L’obiettivo dello studio consiste nel revisionare in letteratura le evidenze inerenti il ruolo infermieristico nella prevenzione dell’obesità infantile. MATERIALI E METODI: La revisione della letteratura è stata condotta consultando la banca dati Pubmed e Google Scholar dalla quale sono stati selezionati ed estrapolati n.10 articoli che rispondevano al quesito di ricerca. Sono stati inclusi articoli degli ultimi 10 anni, in consultazione gratuita per la lingua italiana ed inglese, tra il 1° aprile 2025 e il 20 ottobre 2025. Sono stati esclusi articoli a pagamento o che includevano pazienti adulti. RISULTATI: Gli interventi infermieristici e multidisciplinari hanno dimostrato riduzioni significative dell’IMC e miglioramenti nei comportamenti salutari e nella qualità della vita dei bambini (Schroeder et al., 2016). L’efficacia è maggiore nei programmi multicomponenti che integrano educazione nutrizionale, attività fisica, supporto psicologico e coinvolgimento familiare, soprattutto nei bambini con obesità grave e in età superiore agli otto anni (Vitale et al., 2021). La partecipazione dei genitori e la continuità dell’intervento risultano determinanti per il successo e la sostenibilità. Contesti domiciliari, scolastici e comunitari mostrano benefici differenti in base all’età, mentre negli adolescenti il tasso di abbandono riduce l’impatto (Imperiali et al., 2025). ANALISI: Sono stati analizzati dieci studi, esaminati in base a introduzione, obiettivi, materiali e metodi, strumenti di raccolta dati, discussione e conclusioni, e successivamente classificati per origine geografica e per topic di riferimento. DISCUSSIONI: L’obesità infantile è una problematica complessa di origine multifattoriale che comporta gravi conseguenze fisiche e psicologiche. La sua prevenzione richiede interventi multidisciplinari che coinvolgano famiglia, scuola e comunità. Gli infermieri svolgono un ruolo chiave nella promozione di stili di vita sani, nell’educazione alimentare e nel supporto alle famiglie. Gli interventi più efficaci sono quelli adattabili al contesto e sostenuti da politiche sanitarie coordinate. Solo attraverso la collaborazione tra professionisti, istituzioni e società è possibile prevenire e ridurre l’obesità pediatrica, favorendo un futuro più sano per le nuove generazioni. KEYWORDS: “Pediatrics, obesity, primary prevention, school nurses, educational nursing intervention, healthy eating, ambulatory care and family empowerment”.
L' INFERMIERE PER LA PREVENZIONE DELL'OBESITÀ INFANTILE: UNA REVISIONE DELLA LETTERATURA.
ELMAZAJ, CRISTINA
2024/2025
Abstract
ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: In recent decades, childhood obesity has become one of the major global health issues, with serious physical consequences (such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and osteoarticular disorders) and psychological consequences (low self esteem, isolation, and emotional distress) (Ali et al 2024). There are many causes, including poor eating habits, sedentary lifestyles, and excessive use of electronic devices. Early and multidisciplinary intervention is needed to address the problem (UNICEF, 2025). In this context, nurses play a key role in prevention and health promotion, especially through educational programs aimed at children and families (Nurses as Agents of Change in Childhood Obesity Through the Promotion of Peer Education Interventions. Schroeder K., Jia H., Wang Y.C., Smaldone A. 2017). The aim of the study is to review the literature on the role of nurses in the prevention of childhood obesity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The literature review was conducted by consulting the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, from which 10 articles that answered the research question were selected and extracted. Articles from the last 10 years were included, freely available in Italian and English, between 1 April 2025 and 20 October 2025. Articles that were subject to a fee or that included adult patients were excluded. RESULTS: Nursing and multidisciplinary interventions have shown significant reductions in BMI and improvements in healthy behaviours and quality of life in children (Schroeder et al., 2016). Effectiveness is greater in multicomponent programmes that integrate nutrition education, physical activity, psychological support and family involvement, especially in children with severe obesity and over the age of eight (Vitale et al., 2021). Parental involvement and continuity of intervention are crucial for success and sustainability. Home, school and community settings show different benefits depending on age, while in adolescents, dropout rates reduce the impact (Imperiali et al., 2025). ANALYSIS: Ten studies were analysed, examined on the basis of their introduction, objectives, materials and methods, data collection tools, discussion and conclusions, and subsequently classified by geographical origin and topic of reference. DISCUSSION: Childhood obesity is a complex problem with multiple causes that has serious physical and psychological consequences. Preventing it requires multidisciplinary interventions involving families, schools and communities. Nurses play a key role in promoting healthy lifestyles, educating children about nutrition and supporting families. The most effective interventions are those that can be adapted to the context and are supported by coordinated health policies. Only through collaboration between professionals, institutions and society is it possible to prevent and reduce paediatric obesity, promoting a healthier future for the younger generation. KEYWORDS: “Pediatrics, obesity, primary prevention, school nurses, educational nursing intervention, healthy eating, ambulatory care and family empowerment”.| File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12075/24198