Knowledge, attitude and practice of primary health care physicians in Aseer region regarding obesity

Abstract

Background: Obesity is one of the most common chronic diseases that could be managed at PHCC settings. Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore knowledge, attitudes, and practice of PHCC physicians in Aseer region, regarding obesity. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among physicians working at PHCC in 2012. In order to achieve the objectives of this study, the investigators designed a questionnaire which composed of three parts namely; sociodemographic data, knowledge related questions, attitude related questions, practice related questions in addition to some questions related to infrastructures, and barriers facing management of obesity at PHCC. Questionnaire was distributed to all PHCC doctors using post. Data entry and statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 21. Results: The total number of doctors responded was 294 out of 339, giving a response rate of (87%). Mean age of participants was 38 year, male represented 63%, 61% had no post MBBS qualification and one third are working in big cities. More than 50% of centers were having registers, guidelines and screening program for obesity. The most common encountered barriers to care for obesity at PHCC were lack of (time, health education materials, guideline and referral system). Most of physicians showed good attitude regarding management of obesity compared to knowledge which was inadequate as reflected by total knowledge score which was less than 7 points among 64% of participants. More than half of participants reported that they gave advices about the roles of diet, exercise in management of obesity to their clients. Conclusion: This study revealed that PHCCs in Aseer region need adequate infrastructures to care for obese patients while PHCC doctors are in need of training to improve their knowledge and develop their skills in order to introduce good care for their obese patients.