Comparison of obstetrician-gynecologists and family physicians regarding weight-related attitudes, communication, and bias

Abstract

ObjectivesTo assess physician perceptions regarding weight-related communication, quality of care, and bias in obstetrics-gynecology (OBGYN) and family physician (FP) practices. MethodsA cross-sectional survey study based on a convenient sampling of OBGYN and FP was conducted. Physicians completed a 40-question survey assessing perceived obesity management and weight bias in caring for female patients with body mass index ≥25kg/m2. ResultsReponses from 51 physicians (25 OBGYN and 26 FP) were received. There was no difference between specialties in satisfaction with care or level of confidence in treating patients with obesity. However, OBGYNs reported more negative perceptions of patients with obesity (mean score 19.2±3.3 vs. 15.0±4.0, p<0.001) and greater weight bias (11.8±2.0 vs. 9.7±2.5, p<0.01) compared to FPs. OBGYNs were also more likely to expect less favorable treatment outcomes (13.3±2.5 vs. 15.5±2.8. p<0.01). Physicians between 31−50 years old displayed a significantly higher perception of weight bias in their profession when compared to the reference 21−30year olds, and for each unit increase in self-reported BMI there was a 0.18 average increase in the composite score for perceived weight bias. ConclusionsOBGYN physicians reported significantly higher levels of weight bias than FP physicians, indicating a need for improved education in OBGYN training. Clinical trial registrationN/A.