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Table 2 Frequency of MCH nurses undertaking the following as part of a typical consultation (n = 54) and perceived confidence (n = 53)

From: Obesity prevention in early life: an opportunity to better support the role of Maternal and Child Health Nurses in Australia

Activity

Never/rarely (0-25 % consults)

Sometimes/often (26-75 % of consuls)

Most of the time (>75 % consults)

Very/Extremely confident

Measure height and weight of children UNDER 2 years

2 (3.7)

6 (11.1)

46 (85.2)

53 (100.0)

Plot height and weight on a growth chart (for children under 2 years)

5 (9.3)

7 (12.9)

42 (77.8)

53 (100.0)

Measure height and weight for children OVER 2 years

6 (11.1)

6 (11.1)

42 (77.8)

53 (100.0)

Calculate body mass index (BMI) for children OVER 2 years and plot on a BMI percentile chart

12 (22.2)

6 (11.1)

36 (66.7)

41 (77.4)

Use growth or BMI charts to identify infants/children who are at risk of overweight or obesity

12 (22.2)

10 (18.5)

32 (59.3)

40 (75.5)

Provide advice or support to encourage continuation of breastfeeding in breastfeeding mothers

0 (0.0)

22 (40.7)

32 (59.3)

53 (100.0)

Provide advice on correct formula preparation to parents who are formula feeding their infants

12 (22.2)

22 (40.7)

20 (37.0)

53 (100.0)

Provide advice on sleep and settling techniques for infants

0 (0.0)

29 (53.7)

25 (46.3)

52 (98.1)

Provide advice on WHEN to introduce solid foods to infants

0 (0.0)

18 (33.3)

36 (66.7)

53 (100.0)

Provide advice on HOW to introduce solid foods to infants

0 (0)

20 (37.0)

34 (63.0)

53 (100.0)

Talk to parents about eating their meals with their infants/children

3 (5.6)

21 (38.9)

30 (55.6)

53 (100.0)

Talk to parents about limiting infants and young children’s intake of sweetened drinks (e.g. juice and soft drinks)

0 (0)

19 (35.2)

35 (64.8)

53 (100.0)

Talk to parents about offering water as the child’s main drink (after 12 months of age)

1 (1.9)

17 (31.5)

36 (66.7)

53 (100.0)

Talk to parents about limiting infants and young children’s TV viewing and other electronic media use (DVDs, computers etc.)

7 (13.0)

30 (55.6)

17 (30.4)

48 (90.6)

Talk to parents about increasing active play for infants and young children

8 (14.9)

22 (40.7)

24 (44.4)

51 (96.2)

Talk to parents about increasing their infants/children’s fruit and vegetable intake

4 (7.4)

20 (37.0.)

30 (55.6)

53 (100.0)

Talk to parents about limiting infants/children intake of foods high in fat/salt/sugar (e.g. cakes, biscuits, lollies, chips, take away foods etc.)

6 (11.1)

16 (29.6)

32 (59.3)

52 (98.1)