Predictors of attrition from a pediatric weight management program.

OBJECTIVE

The current study examined characteristics of families who initiated weight management treatment for their obese child/adolescent and withdrew prematurely.

STUDY DESIGN

Participants (body mass index > or =95(th) percentile) were enrolled in a pediatric interdisciplinary weight management clinic. Retrospective chart review revealed noncompleters (n=116) completed > or =1 visit(s) but withdrew before completion of the initial 4-month treatment phase. Completers (n=96) completed the initial treatment phase. Completers and noncompleters were compared on baseline demographic, psychological, clinical, and laboratory measures. Regression analyses assessed the degree to which these factors predicted attrition.

RESULTS

Fifty-five percent of patients withdrew prematurely from treatment. Noncompleters were more likely to be Medicaid recipients, black, older, and self-report greater depressive symptomatology and lower self-concept.

CONCLUSIONS

These data have implications for the design of pediatric weight management intervention models that improve the rate of completion for economically disadvantaged and minority youth. Screening for depressive symptomatology may identify patients at risk for treatment dropout who could be targeted for increased support and retention strategies.