"Börja i barndomen" Distriktssköterskans roll i det förebyggande arbetet av övervikt och fetma
Overweight and obesity in children is an extensive and accelerating problem in the western world. The risk factors for overweight are well- known and well-documented. Focus should lie in the prophylactic work in order to prevent overweight and obesity in preschool children. The aim of our study has been to highlight the role of the district nurse in her/his work to prevent overweight and obesity in preschool children. The study was carried out through studies as a literature review. In order to support the parents and taking their circumstances and conditions into consideration, it was considered very important that the district nurse paid attention to the view of the parents on the weight of their child. Parents were considered to have an important role in giving their children healthy eating habits. The attitude of the district nurse was relevant as to how she/he treated the overweight and how she/he tackled the preventive work. Professional practice and training within the field were important factors in making the district nurse succeed in her/his work to prevent overweight and obesity in children. Lack of time and lack of parental commitment and attitude were the main reasons for limiting the district nurse in her work to prevent overweight and obesity in children. Personnel within the primary care should supervise and coordinate health promoting measures in order to prevent overweight and obesity in children. The district nurse plays a unique part in influencing the parents very early on in their children?s life by arranging regular and repeated visits to the child welfare center. The basis for a successful work by the district nurse is training and the fact that she is made aware of her own attitudes towards overweight. More research is imperative to support and develop guidelines for preventing overweight and obesity in children.