Staff Education for Prevention and Management of Obesity in Adolescents From Underserved Communities

This DNP project implemented a targeted staff education intervention designed to bridge the practice gap in obesity management among adolescents in underserved communities. A comprehensive chart review of 45 patients revealed that only 3% of encounters adequately addressed obesity using evidence-based practice (EBP) guidelines, establishing the urgent need for healthcare provider education and competency development. Adolescents in underserved communities face complex barriers to health and wellness, with obesity representing a critical public health concern. The literature demonstrated that childhood and adolescent obesity serves as a significant risk factor for multiple chronic conditions in adulthood, including Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, obstructive sleep apnea, elevated cholesterol levels, and metabolic syndrome (Salam et al., 2018). These findings underscore the essential role of healthcare providers in implementing evidence-based prevention and management strategies for this vulnerable population. The intervention was delivered through an integrated educational approach utilizing PowerPoint presentations, online resources, and validated pre- and post-test assessments. Data from 12-item multiple-choice assessments were collected and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and descriptive statistics to evaluate changes in staff competency regarding EBP application for obesity management. Results demonstrated significant improvement in healthcare provider competency and knowledge regarding the implementation of evidence-based obesity interventions. Beyond immediate clinical outcomes, the project promotes positive social change by enhancing health awareness and knowledge among adolescents and their family support systems, while fostering sustainability.