Building communicative spaces with children in paediatric obesity care and research
Siegnella Concincion
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The importance of children's perspectives in integrated care during and after the COVID-19 pandemic
In her PhD dissertation at the University of Amsterdam, researcher, policy advisor, and youth nurse Siegnella Concincion explores what happens when you conduct research with children, using methods beyond traditional interviews. A unique result of this collaboration was the creation of a children’s book, co-designed with the children, which now accompanies her dissertation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, children lost their freedom of movement: schools closed, playgrounds were empty, and physical therapy was halted. For children with severe obesity, this often meant not only weight gain but also increased sadness, isolation, and helplessness. "They became bored during lockdown, turned to unhealthy habits—overeating, lack of exercise, excessive gaming, poor sleep," Concincion explains. "Even more painful was the mental impact: they saw their parents lose jobs, had to care for younger siblings, or experienced grief and loss."
Concincion used a participatory action research approach. Rather than relying on standard questionnaires, she engaged with the children's world through activities like drawing, walking, and casual conversations, working with thirteen children from Amsterdam-Zuidoost living with severe obesity. Meetings took place not just in clinical settings, but also at home, in indoor playgrounds, or outdoors.
© Building communicative spaces with children in paediatric obesity care and research- Siegnella Concincion - Siegnella Concincion -
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- Building communicative spaces with children in paediatric obesity care and research- Siegnella Concincion - Siegnella Concincion -
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