Oral Presentation Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society Annual Scientific Conference 2026

The acceptability and implementation of screening children and adolescents for type 2 diabetes: the perspectives of health professionals (144710)

Jessica Hardt 1 , Brooke Devlin 1 , Robyn Littlewood 2 , Tony Huynh 3 , Jacqueline L Walker 1
  1. The University of Queensland, The University Of Queensland, QUEENSLAND, Australia
  2. Queensland Health, Health and Wellbeing Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
  3. Queensland Health, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Introduction

Globally, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) among children/adolescents has increased in parallel with the escalating rates of obesity. Inconsistencies in screening practice has resulted in under-reporting, missed diagnoses and irreversible chronic disease development. This research aimed to understand the acceptability of screening children/adolescents for T2D, from the perspectives of health professionals, including barriers and enablers for implementation in practice.

Methods

The study utilised a mixed-methods approach, via survey questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Eligible participants included researchers, health professionals and health leaders involved in the prevention or management of obesity or T2D among children/adolescents in Australia. Recruitment was facilitated by health practitioner networks and social media platforms. Questions related to participant demographics, area of practice, screening experience including barriers and enablers, and screening guideline awareness, acceptability and suggestions for implementation in practice.

Results

Fifty-five surveys were collected, with the most prominent disciplines being Dietitians (38%, n=21), followed by Endocrinologists (29%, n=16) and Diabetes Educators (16%, n=9). Ninety-three percent of participants believed it is appropriate to screen all children with risk factors for T2D (n=51). The most common enablers to screening in practice were sufficient time, resources and funding, support from managers/executives and understanding the importance of screening. Conversely, limited time, disengagement from families and the stigma associated with T2D, were reported as the most prominent barriers. The 21 interviews conducted provide further insight to the quantitative survey outcomes.

Conclusion

Gathering the perspectives of health professionals relating to the implementation of T2D screening among children/adolescents, will inform the development of a strategy with high feasibility for implementation in practice. This will improve the identification of children at greatest risk, promoting early prevention and management strategies. Ultimately, the growing burden of disease will be halted, avoiding significant health and financial costs for current and future generations of Australians.