Perceptions and understanding of sleeve gastrectomy's effects on metabolism, diabetes, and hypertension

Abstract

Background: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG), a leading bariatric surgery procedure, has surpassed Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding in popularity due to its effectiveness in weight loss and managing related morbidities. This study aimed to assess the awareness within the Taif City population in Saudi Arabia regarding the metabolic effects of SG and the resultant alterations in diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN). Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done targetting the Makkah region's Taif city population in Saudi Arabia using a simple random sampling technique. Surveys were administered at various locations including shopping malls, picnic areas, and Taif University. Data analysis was performed utilizing Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22. Results: A total of 760 participants were included in the evaluation, with the majority (42.5%) falling within the 18-29 age group. The participant demographic profile revealed a predominance of males (59.7%), mostly Saudi nationals (97.1%), with 76.7% having attained a university education and 56.7% being married. The mean height and body mass index (BMI) of participants were 164.00 ± 9.23 cm and 26.31 ± 5.33 kg/m², respectively. Significantly, age, gender, nationality, education level, and marital status were found to be associated with the level of community awareness regarding the metabolic impact of SG and its effects on DM and HTN (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study revealed variable levels of awareness among participants regarding the specific metabolic effects of SG. While a notable proportion demonstrated awareness, a considerable segment remained uninformed.