Research Article
Issue Date: July 27, 2016
Published Online: August 02, 2016
Updated: June 13, 2018
Exploratory Study of the Clinical Utility of the Pizzi Healthy Weight Management Assessment (PHWMA) Among Burmese High School Students
Fengyi Kuo; Michael A. Pizzi; Wen-Pin Chang; Sarah J. Koning; Aaron S. Fredrick
Author Affiliations
  • Fengyi Kuo, DHS, OTR, CPRP, is Visiting Faculty, Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Indiana University, Indianapolis, and Occupational Therapist, LIH–Olivia’s Place Pediatric Services, Shanghai, China; fkuo@iu.edu
  • Michael A. Pizzi, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Associate Professor, Dominican College, Orangeburg, NY
  • Wen-Pin Chang, PhD, OTR/L, is Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, Creighton University, Omaha, NE
  • Sarah J. Koning, MS, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Olympia Transitional Care and Rehabilitation, Olympia, WA
  • Aaron S. Fredrick, MS, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Legacy Healthcare Services, Anderson, IN
Article Information
Health and Wellness / School-Based Practice / Special Issue: Research Articles
Research Article   |   July 27, 2016
Exploratory Study of the Clinical Utility of the Pizzi Healthy Weight Management Assessment (PHWMA) Among Burmese High School Students
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, July 2016, Vol. 70, 7005180040. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2016.021659
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, July 2016, Vol. 70, 7005180040. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2016.021659
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. Immigrant youth in the United States are at greater risk for weight management problems than non-Hispanic White youth. We used the Pizzi Healthy Weight Management Assessment (PHWMA) to capture data on health perceptions and weight management behaviors among adolescent Burmese refugees.

METHOD. We conducted a retrospective descriptive study of 20 Burmese refugee high school students.

RESULTS. The results captured an understanding of health perceptions and weight management behaviors of the program participants. The PHWMA was found to be a valid and reliable tool for use by occupational therapy practitioners.

CONCLUSION. Findings from this study can inform program development and evaluation in outreach efforts to enhance minority youths’ health and well-being.