This is an interesting article that relates to the childhood obesity. I had to do an article critique for my community nursing class. So I'd like to share with you my opinion on this article. I know it's written from the nurse perspective, but it can also be related to anyone who is genuinely concerned with health issues of children in their community.
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Glazebrook, C., McPherson, A.C., Macdonald, I.A., Swift, J.A., Ramsay, C., Newbould,
R., Smyth, A. (2006). Asthma as a Barrier to Chilren’s Physical Activity: Implications for Body Mass Index and Mental Health. Pediatrics, 118, 2443-2449. Retrieved May 18, 2007, from
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Purpose:
The purpose of this research study was to assess children with asthma and relate their physical activity with standard activity levels, Body Mass Index, and emotional well-being. Data collected at the two hospitals in the United Kingdom about asthma children and their parents was then compared to data obtained from children with other diseases within the same community.
Summary:
The research study compares asthmatic and non-asthmatic children based on their BMI values, activity levels, and mental health. It relates lower activity levels of asthmatic children to the higher prevalence of obesity. The results of the study revealed that children with asthma have higher BMI values, which increases risk of obesity. These children also have greater emotional difficulties coping with disease. However, further research should be done to confirm relationship between mental health of children with asthma and their physical exercise.
One Strength
One of the strengths of the article was family involvement. Parents were asked their perception of asthma as a barrier to physical activity of children. They also completed survey of children’s mental health. Parents’ participation in assessing their children’s health might help them realize child’s risks of obesity, and teach them the impact of physical exercise and other health teaching on child’s quality of life.
One Weakness
One of the major weaknesses of this article is the chosen sample population. All children were from the United Kingdom, which is a different demographic population from the United States. Therefore, if the same study be conducted in the United States, research data might be slightly different in terms of race, gender, and age distribution. The age of children with asthma ranges from 7 to 14, which limits all preschoolers and might leave out important transitional stage of their BMI values from overweight to obesity.
Missing Information
The information that would be valuable to the population-focused nurse but missing from the article is the parents’ assessment for asthma, obesity, and physical exercise. Since the interest of the community nurse is on the aggregate of children with asthma, the family’s relationship to the disease process and physical fitness should also be included in the community core.
Application of Findings
The research article pointed out the significant relationship between asthma and activity level, which further can cause other health problems such as obesity. As a population-focused nurse, it is important to be aware of this relationship in order to provide further health teaching to the families. The community nurse should be able to identify early signs of sedentary lifestyle and children’s overweight, and try to prevent childhood obesity at the early stage.
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I'm thinking to relate this finding to the subpopulation of m community and see if the relationship between reduced physical activity due to asthma and obesity as significant as in the United Kingdom. I'd appreciate your feedback on this subject. Thank you.
Yuliyasha