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Feasibility of an Online, Interactive Body Mass Index Parental Notification Letter (e-BMI).

Alicia Marie HokeJennifer M PogerErik B LehmanJennifer L Kraschnewski
Published in: The Journal of school nursing : the official publication of the National Association of School Nurses (2020)
School-based body mass index (BMI) screening is required in 50% of states with parent notification letters distributed among 11 of those states. Additional research is needed to effectively communicate screening results to parents. We conducted a pilot investigation of parent acceptability of an electronic, interactive BMI parental notification letter (e-BMI) along with the feasibility of implementing an e-BMI letter in the school setting. In addition, we assessed parental attitudes and practices regarding their child's weight-related behaviors. Electronic letter distribution and parent receipt were consistent with traditional paper letter mailings; however, we did not observe any significant behavioral impacts with either letter format. Parents reported interest in wellness programming offered by the school, a potential opportunity for schools to engage families in healthful practices. Additional research is needed to understand the impact of e-BMI letters and accompanying web-based resources specifically for parents of students with overweight or obesity.
Keyphrases
  • body mass index
  • weight gain
  • physical activity
  • mental health
  • healthcare
  • primary care
  • metabolic syndrome
  • randomized controlled trial
  • clinical trial
  • adipose tissue
  • skeletal muscle
  • body weight