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Turner SL. Pediatric healthcare professionals' attitudes and beliefs about weight stigma: A descriptive study. J Pediatr Nurs 2024; 75:64-71. [PMID: 38103459 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2023.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Children face weight-based stigma from their healthcare providers at a disconcerting rate, and efforts to mitigate this have been scant. This study aimed to quantify pediatric healthcare professionals' attitudes and beliefs about weight stigma and to determine stigma reduction interventions that are most supported by pediatric healthcare providers. DESIGN AND METHODS Participants completed two validated instruments which measured implicit and explicit weight bias, respectively. They then completed a researcher-designed questionnaire to assess their attitudes and beliefs about weight stigma, and demographic questions. ANOVA models were used to examine associations between bias measures and participant characteristics, chi-square analyses were used to examine associations between questionnaire responses and participant characteristics, and Spearman's rank was used to determine correlations between weight bias and questionnaire responses. RESULTS Participants exhibited moderate-to-high levels of implicit and explicit weight bias (mean Implicit Association Test score = 0.59, mean Crandall Anti-Fat Attitudes Score = 38.95). Associations were noted between implicit bias and years in practice (p < 0.05), and implicit bias and occupation (p < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between explicit bias and multiple questionnaire items, suggesting that healthcare providers with greater weight bias are aware of those biases and are ready to take action to address them. CONCLUSION Though pediatric healthcare exhibit weight-based biases, they are invested in taking steps to mitigate these biases and their impact on patients. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The results of this study can inform the design of future interventions that aim to reduce healthcare-based weight bias, thus improving the quality of pediatric healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Turner
- UMass Chan Medical School Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing, 55 N Lake Ave, Worcester, MA, United States.
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Trofymenko S, Kutob R, Algotar A. A Multi-Modality Intervention Improves Obesity Bias among Medical Students. MEDICINES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:4. [PMID: 38392692 PMCID: PMC10890647 DOI: 10.3390/medicines11020004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Background: Obesity is linked to chronic diseases in adults and children. Its prevalence continues to grow in the United States, necessitating the need for healthcare provider training and presenting an opportunity for the education of future medical providers. Despite this need, effectively implementing obesity education into medical school curricula has been challenging. Anti-obesity bias amongst healthcare providers and trainees represents a significant obstacle to the care of patients with obesity. Obesity bias may affect up to 1/3 of medical students. Methods: This study describes the development and preliminary testing of a brief, 2.5 h multi-modality teaching intervention consisting of online, interactive, and independent learning modules for first-year medical students and a patient panel focused on obesity, obesity bias, and motivational interviewing. The participants took Crandall's anti-fat attitude (AFA) questionnaire before and after an online independent learning module on motivational interviewing and obesity bias. The AFA consists of three subscales ("dislike", "fear of fat", and "willpower"). Individual responses were measured using a nine-point Likert-type response format (0 = very strongly disagree; 9 = very strongly agree). An average composite score was calculated for each subscale. Results: Data were analyzed from 103 first-year medical students enrolled at a college of medicine in the southwestern United States in 2022. The AFA mean composite scores decreased significantly, indicating a decrease in explicit anti-obesity attitude bias after completing the online module. This decrease was present in all three domains of fear (4.63 vs. 3.72, p < 0.001), dislike (1.25 vs. 0.88, p < 0.001) and willpower (3.23 vs. 2.31, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Relatively brief educational interventions can positively impact students' anti-obesity attitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Trofymenko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2162 S 180 East, Provo, UT 84606, USA
| | - Randa Kutob
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, 655N Alvernon Way, Suite 228, Tucson, AZ 85711, USA
| | - Amit Algotar
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, 655N Alvernon Way, Suite 228, Tucson, AZ 85711, USA
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Aker S, Şahin MK. Obesity Bias and Stigma, Attitudes, and Beliefs Among Intern Doctors: a Cross-sectional Study from Türkiye. Obes Surg 2024; 34:86-97. [PMID: 37968559 DOI: 10.1007/s11695-023-06919-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to determine intern physicians' attitudes and beliefs toward obesity and individuals with obesity and the frequency at which they encounter discriminatory language in their work environments. METHODS This cross-sectional study was performed with intern physicians at the Ondokuz Mayıs University Medical Faculty in Samsun, Türkiye. A questionnaire was employed for data collection (Appendix). Two hundred eighteen (82.2%) interns took part in the study. The questionnaire consisted of 53 questions in five sections, and included the attitudes toward obese persons (ATOP) and beliefs about obese persons (BAOP) scales. RESULTS The interns most frequently cited genetic factors (98.1%) and endocrine disorder-metabolic disorders (98.1%) as non-behavioral causes of obesity, and overeating (96.2%) and physical immobility (96.2%) as behavioral causes. Lifestyle changes and exercise were most frequently recommended for treatment. The interns' attitudes toward individuals with obesity were very slightly negative, but close to neutral. Analysis showed that 46.8% of the interns reported hearing members of academic staff, intern physicians, or health workers make negative or derogatory comments or jokes about obese patients during their education, while 22.0% reported witnessing an obese patient being subjected to discriminatory treatment in the hospital environment. CONCLUSION Medical faculties must develop curricula aimed at comprehensively addressing obesity-related bias. Such a curriculum should allow students to reflect on their biases, be aimed at reducing the effect of those biases on patient communication, and involve strategies directed toward eliminating those effects from physicians' treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Servet Aker
- Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey.
| | - Mustafa Kürşat Şahin
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey
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Olson A, Watowicz R, Seeholzer E, Lyons K, Butsch WS, Croniger C. Team-Based Learning Intervention to Improve Obesity Education in Medical School. MEDEDPORTAL : THE JOURNAL OF TEACHING AND LEARNING RESOURCES 2023; 19:11369. [PMID: 38046813 PMCID: PMC10689578 DOI: 10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Obesity is a multifactorial chronic disease and a major contributor to numerous health conditions. Despite the high prevalence, costs, and health effects of obesity, physicians are largely unprepared to treat it. Most medical students and residents lack sufficient training in obesity and obesity management. Methods We evaluated a two-part team-based learning seminar (TBL) on obesity pathogenesis and treatment for first-year medical students at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (CWRU SOM). A questionnaire on attitudes toward obesity and self-perceived knowledge of obesity was administered before and after the TBL, utilizing Likert scales. Results Of 183 medical students who attended both TBLs, 155 (85%) completed the baseline questionnaire, and 127 (69%) completed the postintervention questionnaire. Confidence in treating obesity increased significantly from preintervention (M = 2.7, SD = 1.0) to postintervention (M = 3.7, SD = 0.8). The attitude that obesity is caused by poor personal choices decreased significantly from preintervention (M = 2.8, SD = 0.9) to postintervention (M = 2.1, SD = 0.9). Self-perceived knowledge of obesity in all nine areas-epidemiology, energy homeostasis, etiologies, nutrition, physical activity, behavior, pharmacology, surgery, and language-increased significantly. Discussion Despite obesity being one of the most prevalent health concerns, obesity education in medical school is scant. This TBL resulted in improved attitudes toward obesity and self-perceived knowledge of obesity among first-year medical students at CWRU SOM and offers a practical mechanism to introduce more obesity education into undergraduate medical curricula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Olson
- Third-Year Medical Student, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
| | - Rosanna Watowicz
- Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
| | - Eileen Seeholzer
- Medical Director, Adult Weight Loss Surgery and Weight Management Center, MetroHealth System
| | - Katherine Lyons
- Physician, Adult Weight Loss Surgery and Weight Management Center, MetroHealth System
| | - W. Scott Butsch
- Director of Obesity Medicine, Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, Cleveland Clinic
| | - Colleen Croniger
- Associate Professor, Department of Nutrition, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
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5
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Renold C, Deferm NP, Hauser R, Gerber P, Bueter M, Thalheimer A, Gero D. The Effect of a Multifaceted Intervention Including Classroom Education and Bariatric Weight Suit Use on Medical Students' Attitudes toward Patients with Obesity. Obes Facts 2023; 16:381-391. [PMID: 36977399 PMCID: PMC10427925 DOI: 10.1159/000530405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Weight bias refers to negative attitudes toward individuals because of their weight. Evidence-based strategies to successfully reduce weight bias in medical students are lacking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a multifaceted intervention on medical students' attitudes toward patients with obesity. METHODS Third and fourth year medical students (n = 79), who enrolled in an 8-week graduate course focusing on the various epidemiologic, physiological, and clinical aspects of obesity, including a gamification task with bariatric weight suits (BWSs), were asked to complete the Nutrition, Exercise and Weight Management (NEW) Attitudes Scale questionnaire pre- and post-course. The inclusion period was between September 2018 and June 2021 and covered 4 consecutive groups of students. RESULTS The overall NEW Attitudes Scale scores did not change significantly pre- versus post-intervention (pre-course: 19.59, post-course: 24.21, p value = 0.24). However, the subgroup of 4th year medical students showed a significant improvement in their attitudes (pre-course: 16.4, post-course: 26.16, p value = 0.02). The Thurstone rating of 9 out of 31 individual survey items changed significantly from pre- to post-course with a moderate strength (Cramer's V >0.2), including 5 items showing weight bias reduction. The disagreement with the statement "overweight/obese individuals lack willpower" increased from 37 to 68%. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that in medical students with a low level of weight bias at baseline, a semester course on obesity combined with BWS use affects only a limited number of items of the NEW Attitudes Scale questionnaire. The sensitization of medical students to weight stigma has the potential to improve quality of healthcare for patients with obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Renold
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Phyllis Deferm
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Renward Hauser
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Gerber
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Bueter
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Surgery, Männedorf Hospital, Männedorf, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Thalheimer
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Surgery, Männedorf Hospital, Männedorf, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Gero
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,
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Meadows A, Barreto M, Dovidio JF, Burke SE, Wittlin NM, Herrin J, Ryn M, Phelan SM. Signaling hostility: The relationship between witnessing weight‐based discrimination in medical school and medical student well‐being. JOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/jasp.12847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Meadows
- School of Psychology University of Exeter Exeter UK
- Department of Psychology Western University London Ontario Canada
| | | | - John F. Dovidio
- Department of Psychology Yale University New Haven Connecticut USA
| | - Sara E. Burke
- Department of Psychology Syracuse University Syracuse New York USA
| | | | - Jeph Herrin
- School of Medicine Yale University New Haven Connecticut USA
| | - Michelle Ryn
- Division of Health Care Delivery Research Mayo Clinic Rochester Minnesota USA
| | - Sean M. Phelan
- Division of Health Care Delivery Research Mayo Clinic Rochester Minnesota USA
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7
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Pendharkar JA, Frisard CF, Geller AC, Pbert L, Crawford S, Guck TP, Stadler DD, Ockene J. Weight management counseling experiences of first year medical students before starting medical school and their self-perceived impact on treating patients with obesity. Prev Med Rep 2021; 23:101411. [PMID: 34150473 PMCID: PMC8193141 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Physicians can play a vital role in counseling patients on overweight and obesity. This secondary analysis examined whether experiences in patient care specific to weight management before starting medical school were associated with students' intentions and confidence to provide weight management counseling (WMC) to patients who have overweight or obesity, and perceived impact as future physicians on patients' motivation to manage weight. First-year medical students (n = 1305) in the entering class of 2020 at eight medical schools nationwide completed questions relating to their prior experiences in patient care and WMC using the 5As. Also assessed were their intentions to treat patients with overweight or obesity, and confidence in counseling patients to help manage their weight. Over half the students (58.3%) who completed the survey had prior experience in patient care and nearly half (47.4%) began medical school with prior WMC experiences. Prior experiences correlated positively with higher confidence in performing WMC and students' intentions to treat patients with overweight or obesity. Given the relatively high rates of exposure to some type of weight management or lifestyle counseling among students before enrolling in medical school, the curriculum could build on established student interest and experience by offering treatment strategies including counseling for patients with overweight and obesity. By making prior experiences advantageous for admission, medical schools could gravitate towards admitting students who have brief but valuable insights about weight management in health care, thus increasing the possibility of filling important gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyothi A. Pendharkar
- Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Christine F. Frisard
- Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Alan C. Geller
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard School of Public Health, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lori Pbert
- Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Sybil Crawford
- Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Judith Ockene
- Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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8
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Gonzalez CM, Grochowalski JH, Garba RJ, Bonner S, Marantz PR. Validity evidence for a novel instrument assessing medical student attitudes toward instruction in implicit bias recognition and management. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2021; 21:205. [PMID: 33845830 PMCID: PMC8040240 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-021-02640-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Implicit bias instruction is becoming more prevalent in health professions education, with calls for skills-based curricula moving from awareness and recognition to management of implicit bias. Evidence suggests that health professionals and students learning about implicit bias ("learners") have varying attitudes about instruction in implicit bias, including the concept of implicit bias itself. Assessing learner attitudes could inform curriculum development and enable instructional designs that optimize learner engagement. To date, there are no instruments with evidence for construct validity that assess learner attitudes about implicit bias instruction and its relevance to clinical care. METHODS The authors developed a novel instrument, the Attitude Towards Implicit Bias Instrument (ATIBI) and gathered evidence for three types of construct validity- content, internal consistency, and relationship to other variables. RESULTS Authors utilized a modified Delphi technique with an interprofessional team of experts, as well as cognitive interviews with medical students leading to item refinement to improve content validity. Seven cohorts of medical students, N = 1072 completed the ATIBI. Psychometric analysis demonstrated high internal consistency (α = 0.90). Exploratory factor analysis resulted in five factors. Analysis of a subset of 100 medical students demonstrated a moderate correlation with similar instruments, the Integrative Medicine Attitude Questionnaire (r = 0.63, 95% CI: [0.59, 0.66]) and the Internal Motivation to Respond Without Prejudice Scale (r = 0.36, 95% CI: [0.32, 0.40]), providing evidence for convergent validity. Scores on our instrument had low correlation to the External Motivation to Respond Without Prejudice Scale (r = 0.15, 95% CI: [0.09, 0.19]) and the Groningen Reflection Ability Scale (r = 0.12, 95% CI: [0.06, 0.17]) providing evidence for discriminant validity. Analysis resulted in eighteen items in the final instrument; it is easy to administer, both on paper form and online. CONCLUSION The Attitudes Toward Implicit Bias Instrument is a novel instrument that produces reliable and valid scores and may be used to measure medical student attitudes related to implicit bias recognition and management, including attitudes toward acceptance of bias in oneself, implicit bias instruction, and its relevance to clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina M Gonzalez
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
- Montefiore Medical Center- Weiler Division, 1825 Eastchester Road, DOM 2-76, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
| | | | | | - Shacelles Bonner
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Paul R Marantz
- Departments of Epidemiology and Population Health and Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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9
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O'Donoghue G, McMahon S, Holt A, Nedai M, Nybo T, Peiris CL. Obesity bias and stigma, attitudes and beliefs among entry-level physiotherapy students in the Republic of Ireland: a cross sectional study. Physiotherapy 2021; 112:55-63. [PMID: 34051594 DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2021.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore entry-level physiotherapy students' attitudes and beliefs relating to weight bias and stigmatisation in healthcare. DESIGN Cross sectional survey of physiotherapy students. METHODS All final year physiotherapy students (n = 215) enrolled in entry-level physiotherapy programmes in the Republic of Ireland were invited to participate. Each received a questionnaire, consisting of 72 questions, within four key sections. Descriptive statistics and frequencies were used to analyse the data. RESULTS A response rate of 83% (179/215) was achieved. Whilst physiotherapy students, overall, had a positive attitude towards people with obesity, 29% had a negative attitude towards people with obesity, 24% had a negative attitude towards managing this population and most (74%) believed obesity was caused by behavioural and individual factors. Over one third of students (35%) reported that they would not be confident in managing patients with obesity and more than half (54%) felt treating patients with obesity was not worthwhile. CONCLUSION This study provides preliminary findings to suggest that weight stigma-reduction efforts are warranted for physiotherapy students. Helping students to understand that obesity is a complex, chronic condition with multiple aspects requiring a multi-faceted approach to its management might be the first step towards dispelling these negative attitudes towards patients living with obesity. Inclusion of a formal obesity curriculum should perhaps now be part of the contemporary physiotherapy students' education.
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Affiliation(s)
- G O'Donoghue
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland.
| | - S McMahon
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland.
| | - A Holt
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland.
| | - M Nedai
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland.
| | - T Nybo
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland.
| | - C L Peiris
- La Trobe University, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, Physiotherapy, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Fox R, Park K, Hildebrand‐Chupp R, Vo AT. Working toward eradicating weight stigma by combating pathologization: A qualitative pilot study using direct contact and narrative medicine. JOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/jasp.12717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Fox
- Department of Communication University of California San Diego CA USA
| | - Kelly Park
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC)/Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center Los Angeles CA USA
| | | | - Anne T. Vo
- Department of Medical Education Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC) Los Angeles CA USA
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11
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Christenson A, Torgerson J, Hemmingsson E. Attitudes and beliefs in Swedish midwives and obstetricians towards obesity and gestational weight management. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:755. [PMID: 33272237 PMCID: PMC7712607 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-03438-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gestational weight interventions are important in maternity care to counteract adverse pregnancy events. However, qualitative findings indicate potential obstacles in the implementation of interventions due to the sensitivity of the subject and existing obesity stigma. Pregnant women have reported disrespectful or unhelpful communication, while some midwives seem to avoid the topic, as not to upset women. This descriptive study aimed to provide knowledge about maternity care providers’ beliefs about obesity, and their attitudes towards gestational weight management. Method A web survey was emailed to Swedish maternity care clinics. Existing questionnaires, “Beliefs About Obese People” (BAOP), “Perceived weight bias in health care” and “Attitudes toward obese patients” was used, supplemented with questions formulated for this study. An open free-text question allowed participants to provide a deeper and more nuanced picture of the topic. Results 274 respondents (75% midwives and 25% obstetricians) participated. One third of respondents found obesity to be a more sensitive topic than smoking or alcohol habits, and 17% of midwives agreed to the statement: “I sometimes avoid talking about weight so as not to make the pregnant woman worried or ashamed”. Having had training in motivational interviewing seemed positively associated with midwives’ inclination to talk about body weight, especially with women with obesity (p = .001), whereas years of working experience were not associated. Having received obesity education increased confidence in providing adequate information, but still only 46% felt they had enough knowledge to provide diet and exercise advice to pregnant women with obesity. Qualitative data revealed great empathy for women with obesity, and a wish to have more obesity education and access to other professionals. Conclusion Swedish maternity care staff displayed empathy for women with obesity and found gestational weight interventions important, but almost one fifth of midwives sometimes avoid the subject of body weight for fear of upsetting women. Education about obesity facts, training in person-centered communication, i.e. motivational interviewing, and access to dieticians may facilitate gestational weight management implementation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-020-03438-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Christenson
- Center for Obesity, Academic Specialist Center, Stockholm Health Services, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Division of clinical epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Jarl Torgerson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Erik Hemmingsson
- The Swedish School of Sports and Health Sciences, Åstrand Laboratory of Work Physiology, Stockholm, Sweden
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12
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Goss AL, Rethy L, Pearl RL, DeLisser HM. The "difficult" cadaver: weight bias in the gross anatomy lab. MEDICAL EDUCATION ONLINE 2020; 25:1742966. [PMID: 32182202 PMCID: PMC7144266 DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2020.1742966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity continues to rise and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Weight bias is common among physicians and medical students and limits the therapeutic alliance between providers and patients with overweight and obesity.Objective: The authors sought to explore the relationship between the gross anatomy course and medical student attitudes towards weight and obesity.Design: The authors employed a mixed-methods approach consisting of semi-structured interviews and anonymous web-based surveys of first-year medical students taking gross anatomy at one USA medical school. They analyzed transcripts of interviews and free-text survey responses using a grounded theory approach and performed tests of association to investigate the relationship between demographic information, responses to multiple-choice survey questions and weight bias.Results: A total of 319 (52%) first-year medical students (2015-2018) completed the survey and 33 participated in interviews. Of survey respondents, 71 (22%) responded that the course had changed how they felt about people with overweight/obesity. These respondents were also more likely to affirm that the course had affected their views toward their own bodies (p < 0.001). Qualitative data analysis identified three overarching themes within students' descriptions of the effects of the gross anatomy lab on attitudes toward bodies perceived to have excess weight: these bodies were described as 1) difficult, 2) unhealthy, and 3) evoking disgust. Students extrapolated from their experiences with cadavers to imagined interactions with future patients, relying heavily on the narrative of the difficult patient.Conclusions: At one USA medical school, students perceived their experiences in gross anatomy as shaping their attitudes toward individuals with overweight or obesity. Efforts to reduce medical student weight bias ought to target this previously unexplored potential site of weight bias.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leah Rethy
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rebecca L. Pearl
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Horace M. DeLisser
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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13
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Ceglowski P, Lehane K, Chow C, Pelecanos A, Tognolini A, Eley V. Arm Dimensions of Patients with Obesity and Their Experiences with Blood Pressure Measurement: An Observational Study. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2020; 28:718-723. [PMID: 32096341 DOI: 10.1002/oby.22746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In patients with obesity, it was determined what proportion had an arm slant angle (SA) < 83° and which measure best predicted arm conicity. Patient experience with noninvasive blood pressure measurement was evaluated. METHODS Arm SA was calculated from arm measurements. Linear regression determined whether BMI, weight, or right midarm circumference (MAC) best predicted conicity. Patient experiences were evaluated by survey and conventional content analysis of free-text comments. RESULTS One hundred participants had a median (interquartile range; range) BMI of 44.1 (39.1-53.1; 31.1-80.8). Thirty-three (33%) had a right arm SA < 83°. Seven (7%) had a right MAC outside the recommended range. BMI, weight, and the right MAC showed low correlation with and explained little of the variation (with age and sex adjustment) in right arm SA (r = -0.29, -0.27, -0.31; P = 0.003, 0.007, 0.002; R2 = 0.09, 0.08, 0.10). Forty-two (42%) reported noninvasive blood pressure measurement caused severe pain, and 30 (30%) reported skin damage. Themes identified in free-text responses were "problems with equipment," "feelings and experiences," and "concerns about accuracy." CONCLUSIONS Current equipment is inadequate for patients with obesity based on MAC and conicity. Pain and skin damage contributed to negative experiences of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Ceglowski
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katie Lehane
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christopher Chow
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anita Pelecanos
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Angela Tognolini
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Victoria Eley
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Elboim-Gabyzon M, Attar K, Peleg S. Weight Stigmatization among Physical Therapy Students and Registered Physical Therapists. Obes Facts 2020; 13:104-116. [PMID: 32074613 PMCID: PMC7250323 DOI: 10.1159/000504809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Weight stigmatization is reflected in anti-fat attitudes and stereotypical perceptions of people who are overweight; it has been demonstrated to be prevalent in many segments of society across multiple countries. Studies examining the prevalence of weight stigmatization use different research tools, which can hinder inter-study comparisons. There is also evidence indicating weight stigmatization among registered physical therapists, although its magnitude differs between studies. Limited information exists regarding the attitudes and beliefs of physical therapy (PT) students toward individuals with obesity. Examining weight stigmatization among PT students is particularly important for developing appropriate educational interventions that may influence the professional lives of future physical therapists. OBJECTIVE This study aims to characterize and compare the stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs of PT students and certified physical therapists regarding people with obesity in Israel. Its secondary objective is to translate three weight stigmatization questionnaires into Hebrew and determine their psychometric properties. METHODS A cross-sectional, anonymous, and computerized self-report survey was completed by 285 certified physical therapists (average age 39.6 ± 10.1 years) and 115 PT students (average age 26.4 ± 4.9 years). The study used three validated weight stigma questionnaires employed in earlier studies to determine different aspects of weight stigmatization: the Fat Phobia Scale (short form; FPS), Anti-Fat Attitudes (AFA) questionnaire, and Beliefs about Obese People (BAOP). These questionnaires were translated into Hebrew and their psychometric properties ascertained. RESULTS Similar to the original English versions, the translated versions of the three questionnaires demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's α values of FPS = 0.77; AFA = 0.75; BOAP = 0.59). The three questionnaires showed a low correlation. No significant difference was noted in the FPS and AFA scores between groups, reflecting that both demonstrated average weight stigmatization (FBS in both groups: average score of 3.6 out of 5; AFA therapists: 3.3 ± 1.2, students: 3.0 ± 1.2 out of 9). However, significant between-group differences were observed for BOAP, which examines beliefs regarding individuals' control over their weight (therapists: 16.4 ± 5.6, students: 18.0 ± 5.7 out of 48; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Student and certified physical therapists demonstrate average levels of weight stigmatization, as reflected in the FPS and AFA scores. Nevertheless, compared to certified physical therapists, physical therapist students believe more strongly that obesity cannot be controlled by the individual. The students' beliefs could affect their clinical judgment and behavior as health care professionals in the future. Therefore, anti-fat attitudes and stereotypical perceptions should be addressed and remediated early using educational interventions during the study period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Elboim-Gabyzon
- Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, Physical Therapy Department, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel,
| | - Karin Attar
- Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, Physical Therapy Department, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Smadar Peleg
- Physical Therapy Department, Zefat Academic College, Zefat, Israel
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Mastrocola MR, Roque SS, Benning LV, Stanford FC. Obesity education in medical schools, residencies, and fellowships throughout the world: a systematic review. Int J Obes (Lond) 2019; 44:269-279. [PMID: 31551484 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-019-0453-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is pandemic throughout the world, and there is concern that physicians are inadequately trained to treat their patients with obesity despite its prevalence. This review explores obesity education in medical students, resident, and fellow physicians throughout the world from 2005 to 2018. Previous reviews on obesity education were conducted before 2011, focused solely on medical students, and only explored obesity education in the United States. We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and ERIC databases for studies which included the search terms "obesity education" AND either "medical students", "residency", or "fellowship" that met PICOS (Population, Interventions, Comparators, Outcomes, Study Design) criteria for articles published in English for obesity education and evaluation of outcomes. Our initial search yielded 234 articles, and 27 studies met criteria for our review. We described and analyzed these studies for their study design and graded quality, quantity, and consistency for each measured outcome. We applied an evidence grading system that has been previously applied in the literature in which each outcome measure was graded on a scale from A to D. We evaluated obesity education programs for outcomes regarding implicit and explicit bias, changes in attitude towards obesity, weight change, obesity knowledge, counseling confidence, intent to counsel, and counseling quality. There was a significant degree of heterogeneity in the studies included. While obesity knowledge was most frequently studied, counseling confidence was the only outcome with an overall grade A. There is currently a paucity of obesity education programs for medical students, residents, and fellow physicians in training programs throughout the world despite high disease prevalence. However, these programs often improve outcomes when they are administered. Our review suggests that more obesity education should be administered in undergraduate and graduate medical education to ensure optimal treatment of patients with obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lauren V Benning
- Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lillington, NC, USA
| | - Fatima Cody Stanford
- Department of Medicine-Division of Endocrinology-Neuroendocrine Department of Pediatrics-Division of Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital, MGH Weight Center, Boston, MA, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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16
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Kadar GE, Thompson HG. Obesity bias among preclinical and clinical chiropractic students and faculty at an integrative health care institution: A cross-sectional study. THE JOURNAL OF CHIROPRACTIC EDUCATION 2019; 33:8-15. [PMID: 30044139 PMCID: PMC6417871 DOI: 10.7899/jce-17-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of obesity bias among preclinical and clinical chiropractic students and faculty at an integrative health care academic institution. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional quantitative, single-method survey with group comparison using the Beliefs About Obese Persons scale (BAOP) and the Attitudes Toward Obese Persons scale. Both instruments were administered as a single 28 question survey via email to 450 students and 46 faculty members in a doctor of chiropractic (DC) program. Differences were determined by 2 tailed t tests. RESULTS: The response rate for faculty and students was 31% and 65%, respectively. One hundred forty-three DC students, preclinical ( n = 65) and clinical ( n = 78), and 30 DC faculty, preclinical ( n = 15) and clinical ( n = 15) completed the survey. Both students and faculty harbored antiobesity attitudes and moderate antiobesity beliefs. Students demonstrated slightly more positive attitudes toward obese persons than did preclinical faculty. Although preclinical faculty did not demonstrate more biased attitudes than did preclinical students ( p = .057), they were more biased than clinical students ( p = .26). On the BAOP, preclinical faculty scored significantly lower than both preclinical students and clinical students ( p = .013 and .017, respectively). CONCLUSION: Obesity bias was common among clinical and preclinical chiropractic students and faculty at our institution. A cultural shift that reduces bias may require changes in both the curriculum and cocurriculum.
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Darling R, Atav AS. Attitudes Toward Obese People: A Comparative Study of Nursing, Education, and Social Work Students. J Prof Nurs 2019; 35:138-146. [DOI: 10.1016/j.profnurs.2018.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Srivastava G, Johnson ED, Earle RL, Kadambi N, Pazin DE, Kaplan LM. Underdocumentation of Obesity by Medical Residents Highlights Challenges to Effective Obesity Care. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2018; 26:1277-1284. [PMID: 29956489 DOI: 10.1002/oby.22219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to determine attitudes and practices of physicians in training with respect to the evaluation and treatment of obesity. METHODS Resident-generated admission and discharge notes of all 1,765 general medicine hospital admissions during 4 nonconsecutive months were analyzed, and any references to weight, obesity, BMI, adiposity, and body fat were identified. The full general resident cohort was then surveyed for perceptions and behaviors related to obesity. RESULTS Obesity was considered a highly important medical issue by 98.5% of residents; 90% correctly identified a class II obesity Stunkard phenotype, and 80% accurately calculated a BMI given height and weight in metric units. Residents overestimated inpatient obesity prevalence (estimate = 75%; actual = 35%) and the rate of obesity recording in the hospital admission note (estimate = 94%; actual = 49.5%). A BMI or current weight in the admission note or discharge summary was reported in none of the 1,765 patient records, and only 6% of the patients with obesity had obesity noted in either the inpatient admission or discharge assessment or plan. CONCLUSIONS Though residents recognize obesity and its clinical implications, it is underreported in the assessment of inpatients. This low level of documenting obesity and its impact on clinical care planning underscores a missed opportunity to establish appropriate referrals and initiate treatment at a clinically opportune time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gitanjali Srivastava
- Obesity, Metabolism and Nutrition Institute, Gastrointestinal Unit and MGH Weight Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Erica D Johnson
- Obesity, Metabolism and Nutrition Institute, Gastrointestinal Unit and MGH Weight Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rebecca L Earle
- Obesity, Metabolism and Nutrition Institute, Gastrointestinal Unit and MGH Weight Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nitya Kadambi
- Obesity, Metabolism and Nutrition Institute, Gastrointestinal Unit and MGH Weight Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dorothy E Pazin
- Obesity, Metabolism and Nutrition Institute, Gastrointestinal Unit and MGH Weight Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lee M Kaplan
- Obesity, Metabolism and Nutrition Institute, Gastrointestinal Unit and MGH Weight Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Obara AA, Alvarenga MDS. [Transcultural adaptation of the Antifat Attitudes Test to Brazilian Portuguese]. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2018; 23:1507-1520. [PMID: 29768605 DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232018235.17252016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Obese individuals are often blamed for their own condition and the targets of discrimination and prejudice. The scope of this study is to describe the cross-cultural adaptation to Brazilian Portuguese and the validation of the Antifat Attitudes Test - specifically developed for evaluation of negative attitudes toward the obese individual. The scale has 34 statements distributed in three subscales - Social/Character Disparagement (15 items), Physical/Romantic Unattractiveness (10 items) and Weight Control/Blame (9 items). The method involved the translation of the scale; evaluation of the conceptual, operational and item equivalence; evaluation of the semantic equivalence using the paired t test, the Pearson correlation coefficient and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC); internal consistency evaluation (Cronbach's alpha) and test-retest reliability (ICC) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis - after application in 340 college students in the area of health. The results showed good global internal consistency and reliability (α 0.85; CCI 0.83), and factor analysis showed that the original subscales can be kept in the adaptation, and therefore the scale adapted to the Brazilian-Portuguese version is valid and useful in studies to explore negative attitudes toward obese individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélica Almeida Obara
- Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo. Av. Dr. Arnaldo 715, Cerqueira César. 03178-200 São Paulo SP Brasil.
| | - Marle Dos Santos Alvarenga
- Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo. Av. Dr. Arnaldo 715, Cerqueira César. 03178-200 São Paulo SP Brasil.
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20
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Correction: Measuring Medical Student Attitudes and Beliefs Regarding Patients Who Are Obese. ACADEMIC MEDICINE : JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN MEDICAL COLLEGES 2018; 93:793. [PMID: 29688985 DOI: 10.1097/acm.0000000000002190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
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21
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Bucher Della Torre S, Courvoisier DS, Saldarriaga A, Martin XE, Farpour-Lambert NJ. Knowledge, attitudes, representations and declared practices of nurses and physicians about obesity in a university hospital: training is essential. Clin Obes 2018; 8:122-130. [PMID: 29327430 DOI: 10.1111/cob.12238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In the context of a worldwide obesity epidemic, healthcare providers play a key role in obesity management. Knowledge of current guidelines and attitudes to prevent stigmatization are especially important. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, perception of opportunity for intervention, declared practices and need for training and material of nurses and physicians about obesity in a Swiss University Hospital. A total of 834 physicians and nurses filled an online survey. The questionnaire was based on literature, exploratory interviews and expert committee review. It was pre-tested with 15 physicians and nurses. Participants declared a low level of negative attitudes towards individuals living with obesity. However, the results highlighted a lack of knowledge to diagnose obesity in adults and children, as well as confidence and training to care of patients with obesity. One-third of providers did not know how to calculate body mass index. Half of providers felt it was part of their role to take care of patients with obesity, even if 55% of them had the feeling that they did not have adequate training. Nurses and physicians working in a university hospital showed a low level of negative attitudes but a lack of knowledge and skills on obesity management. Training should be improved in this population to insure adequate and coherent messages and equal access to evidence-based treatment for patients living with obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bucher Della Torre
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences - Geneva, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - D S Courvoisier
- Quality of Care Unit, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - A Saldarriaga
- Department of Public Education, Geneva Child and Youth Health Service, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - X E Martin
- Health and Movement Consultation, Unit of Pediatric Cardiology, Service of Pediatric Specialties, Department of Child and Adolescent, University Hospitals of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - N J Farpour-Lambert
- Obesity Prevention and Care Program, Service of Therapeutic Education for Chronic Diseases, Department of Community Medicine, Primary Care and Emergency, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Lee SY. Obesity Education in Medical School Curricula in Korea. J Obes Metab Syndr 2018; 27:35-38. [PMID: 31089538 PMCID: PMC6489489 DOI: 10.7570/jomes.2018.27.1.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is one of the three most common diseases, affecting about one-third of adults. Obesity also increases vulnerability to metabolic disorders, psychological disorders, and various cancers and decreases quality of life. Therefore, obesity must be adequately addressed in medical school. Here, I will review how obesity education is implemented in medical school curricula in Korea. Many studies have shown that students who are well educated about obesity through various educational methods reduce their prejudice toward obese patients. The Korean Society for the Study of Obesity is an interdisciplinary academy, including experts from fields such as general research, clinical practice, nutrition, nursing, exercise, and rehabilitation. They aim to identify the core competencies of obesity education necessary for medical students, develop curricula of obesity education, and present examples of lectures and discussions. In the future, health professionals who receive such education will be able to take better care of obese patients without bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Yeoup Lee
- Family Medicine Clinic and Research Institute of Convergence of Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan; Department of Medical Education, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea
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23
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Ockene JK, Ashe KM, Hayes RB, Churchill LC, Crawford SL, Geller AC, Jolicoeur D, Olendzki BC, Basco MT, Pendharkar JA, Ferguson KJ, Guck TP, Margo KL, Okuliar CA, Shaw MA, Soleymani T, Stadler DD, Warrier SS, Pbert L. Design and rationale of the medical students learning weight management counseling skills (MSWeight) group randomized controlled trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2017; 64:58-66. [PMID: 29128651 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2017.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Physicians have an important role addressing the obesity epidemic. Lack of adequate teaching to provide weight management counseling (WMC) is cited as a reason for limited treatment. National guidelines have not been translated into an evidence-supported, competency-based curriculum in medical schools. Weight Management Counseling in Medical Schools: A Randomized Controlled Trial (MSWeight) is designed to determine if a multi-modal theoretically-guided WMC educational intervention improves observed counseling skills and secondarily improve perceived skills and self-efficacy among medical students compared to traditional education (TE). Eight U.S. medical schools were pair-matched and randomized in a group randomized controlled trial to evaluate whether a multi-modal education (MME) intervention compared to traditional education (TE) improves observed WMC skills. The MME intervention includes innovative components in years 1-3: a structured web-course; a role play exercise, WebPatientEncounter, and an enhanced outpatient internal medicine or family medicine clerkship. This evidence-supported curriculum uses the 5As framework to guide treatment and incorporates patient-centered counseling to engage the patient. The primary outcome is a comparison of scores on an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) WMC case among third year medical students. The secondary outcome compares changes in scores of medical students from their first to third year on an assessment of perceived WMC skills and self-efficacy. MSWeight is the first RCT in medical schools to evaluate whether interventions integrated into the curriculum improve medical students' WMC skills. If this educational approach for teaching WMC is effective, feasible and acceptable it can affect how medical schools integrate WMC teaching into their curriculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith K Ockene
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, United States.
| | - Karen M Ashe
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, United States.
| | - Rashelle B Hayes
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, 1200 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States.
| | - Linda C Churchill
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, United States.
| | - Sybil L Crawford
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, United States.
| | - Alan C Geller
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Denise Jolicoeur
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, United States.
| | - Barbara C Olendzki
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, United States.
| | - Maria Theresa Basco
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.
| | - Jyothi A Pendharkar
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, United States.
| | - Kristi J Ferguson
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, OCRME, 1204 MEB, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States.
| | - Thomas P Guck
- Creighton University School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, 2412 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131, United States.
| | - Katherine L Margo
- Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, 3451 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
| | - Catherine A Okuliar
- Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, 3800 Reservoir Road N.W., PHC 5, Washington, DC 20007, United States.
| | - Monica A Shaw
- University of Louisville School of Medicine, 500 S Preston St, Louisville, KY 40202, United States.
| | - Taraneh Soleymani
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Ave South, Webb 646, Birmingham, AL 35294-3360, United States.
| | - Diane D Stadler
- Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, CR110, Portland, OR 97239, United States.
| | - Sarita S Warrier
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 222 Richmond St, Providence, RI 02903, United States.
| | - Lori Pbert
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, United States.
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Pearl RL, Argueso D, Wadden TA. Effects of medical trainees' weight-loss history on perceptions of patients with obesity. MEDICAL EDUCATION 2017; 51:802-811. [PMID: 28497511 DOI: 10.1111/medu.13275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Medical professionals often express weight-biased attitudes. Prior research suggests that people who overcome a challenge are critical of individuals who struggle to overcome the same challenge. Thus, medical trainees who have successfully achieved and maintained weight loss may express greater weight bias and more critical attitudes toward patients with obesity who fail to overcome these challenges. OBJECTIVES This study was designed to determine the effects of medical trainees' weight-loss history on weight-biased attitudes and responses to patients with varying weight-loss outcomes. METHODS An online survey was completed by 219 medical students and internal medicine residents. Participants' weight-biased attitudes were assessed before they were randomly assigned to read one of three patient vignettes in which the patient lost no weight, lost/regained weight, or lost/maintained weight. Independent measures included trainee gender, trainee weight loss and maintenance, and the three experimental conditions of patient outcomes. Dependent measures included the Anti-Fat Attitudes (AFA) Questionnaire's Willpower and Dislike subscales, ratings (on a scale of 1-7) of compassion, frustration, and blame toward the patients presented in the vignettes, and perceptions of the physician-patient alliance. All analyses controlled for trainee body mass index. RESULTS Among trainees, 67.1% reported having successfully lost weight. Of those who had lost weight, 79.5% reported maintaining their weight loss. Trainees who had successfully lost/maintained weight expressed less compassion toward patients across vignettes (5.4 ± 1.2 versus 5.9 ± 1.2; p<0.05), and more blame toward the patient who lost/regained weight than did trainees who had lost/regained weight (3.4 ± 1.3 versus 2.3 ± 1.3; p<0.01). Overall, the patient who did not lose weight was viewed most negatively, followed by the patient who lost/regained (all p-values < 0.05). Female (but not male) trainees who had successfully lost weight expressed stronger weight-biased attitudes on the AFA scales than did those who had never lost weight (all p-values < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Medical trainees' personal success with weight loss and maintenance may negatively affect their perceptions of patients with obesity who struggle with weight management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Pearl
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dallas Argueso
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Thomas A Wadden
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Kushner RF, Butsch WS, Kahan S, Machineni S, Cook S, Aronne LJ. Obesity Coverage on Medical Licensing Examinations in the United States. What Is Being Tested? TEACHING AND LEARNING IN MEDICINE 2017; 29:123-128. [PMID: 28033472 DOI: 10.1080/10401334.2016.1250641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Phenomenon. As one of the most common chronic disease affecting adults and children, obesity is a major contributor to noncommunicable diseases, both nationally and globally. Obesity adversely affects every organ system, and as such it is imperative that the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) adequately assesses students' knowledge about the science and practice of obesity management. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the coverage and distribution of obesity-related items on the three USMLE Step examinations. APPROACH Examination items that included obesity-related keywords were identified by National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) staff. A panel of 6 content experts evaluated all items and coded obesity-relevant items using the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) test outline rubric into 4 domains and 107 subdomains. FINDINGS There were 802 multiple-choice items containing obesity-related keywords identified by NBME, of which 289 (36%) were identified as being relevant to obesity and were coded into appropriate domains and subdomains. Among the individual domains, the Diagnosis & Evaluation domain comprised most of the items (174) for all 3 Step examinations. Fifty-eight percent of items were represented by 4 of 17 organ systems, and 80% of coded items were represented by 6 ABOM subdomains. The majority of obesity-coded items pertained to the diagnosis and management of obesity-related comorbid conditions rather than addressing the prevention, diagnosis, or management of obesity itself. Insights. The most important concepts of obesity prevention and treatment were not represented on the Step exams. Exam items primarily addressed the diagnosis and treatment of obesity-related comorbid conditions instead of obesity itself. The expert review panel identified numerous important obesity-related topics that were insufficiently addressed or entirely absent from the examinations. The reviewers recommend that the areas identified for improvement may promote a more balanced testing of knowledge in obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert F Kushner
- a Department of Medicine , Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , Chicago , Illinois , USA
| | - W Scott Butsch
- b Department of Medicine , Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School , Boston , Massachusetts , USA
| | - Scott Kahan
- c Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Department of Medicine , George Washington University School of Medicine , Washington, DC , USA
| | - Sriram Machineni
- b Department of Medicine , Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School , Boston , Massachusetts , USA
| | - Stephen Cook
- d Department of Pediatrics and Center for Community Health , University of Rochester School of Medicine , Rochester , New York , USA
| | - Louis J Aronne
- e Department of Medicine , Weill Cornell Medical College , New York , New York , USA
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Lacroix E, Alberga A, Russell-Mathew S, McLaren L, von Ranson K. Weight Bias: A Systematic Review of Characteristics and Psychometric Properties of Self-Report Questionnaires. Obes Facts 2017; 10:223-237. [PMID: 28601888 PMCID: PMC5644934 DOI: 10.1159/000475716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People living with overweight and obesity often experience weight-based stigmatization. Investigations of the prevalence and correlates of weight bias and evaluation of weight bias reduction interventions depend upon psychometrically-sound measurement. Our paper is the first to comprehensively evaluate the psychometric properties, use of people-first language within items, and suitability for use with various populations of available self-report measures of weight bias. METHODS We searched five electronic databases to identify English-language self-report questionnaires of weight bias. We rated each questionnaire's psychometric properties based on initial validation reports and subsequent use, and examined item language. RESULTS Our systematic review identified 40 original self-report questionnaires. Most questionnaires were brief, demonstrated adequate internal consistency, and tapped key cognitive and affective dimensions of weight bias such as stereotypes and blaming. Current psychometric evidence is incomplete for many questionnaires, particularly with regard to the properties of test-retest reliability, sensitivity to change as well as discriminant and structural validity. Most questionnaires were developed prior to debate surrounding terminology preferences, and do not employ people-first language in the items administered to participants. CONCLUSIONS We provide information and recommendations for clinicians and researchers in selecting psychometrically sound measures of weight bias for various purposes and populations, and discuss future directions to improve measurement of this construct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Lacroix
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Angela Alberga
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Lindsay McLaren
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kristin von Ranson
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- *Kristin M. von Ranson, Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada,
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Older People's External Residential Assessment Tool (OPERAT): a complementary participatory and metric approach to the development of an observational environmental measure. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:1022. [PMID: 27682428 PMCID: PMC5041557 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3681-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The potential for environmental interventions to improve health and wellbeing has assumed particular importance in the face of unprecedented population ageing. However, presently observational environmental assessment tools are unsuitable for ‘all ages’. This article describes the development of the Older People’s External Residential Assessment Tool (OPERAT). Methods Potential items were identified through review and consultation with an Expert Advisory Group. Items were ranked according the importance ascribed to them by older people who responded to a survey distributed by 50+ forum in Wales (N = 545). 40 highly ranked items were selected for the OPERAT pilot. An observational assessment was conducted in 405 postcodes in Wales. Items validated with data from a survey of older residents (N = 500) in the postcode areas were selected for statistical modelling (Kendall’s Tau-b, p < .05). Data reduction techniques (exploratory factor analysis with Geomin rotation) identified the underlying factor structure of OPERAT. Items were weighted (Thurstone scaling approach) and scores calculated for each domain. Internal consistency: all items were tested for scale-domain total correlation (Spearman’s rank). Construct validity: correlation analysis examined the associations between domains and the extent to which participants enjoyed living in the area, felt that it was a desirable place to live, or felt safe at night or during the day (Spearman’s rank). Usability: analysis of variance compared mean OPERAT domain scores between neighbourhoods that were homogenous in terms of (a) deprivation (quintiles of the Townsend Index) and (b) geographic settlement type. Inter-rater reliability: Krippendorff’s alpha was used to evaluate inter-rater consistency in ten postcode areas. Results A four factor model was selected as the best interpretable fit to the data. The domains were named Natural Elements, Incivilities and Nuisance; Navigation and Mobility; and Territorial Functioning. Statistical tests demonstrated good internal consistency, convergent validity, utility and inter-rater reliability. Conclusions Participatory approaches to research and robust statistical testing are not mutually exclusive. OPERAT can be used to assess the suitability of external residential environments for older people with different physical and cognitive capacities, living in rural or urban areas. OPERAT can be used to help plan residential environments that are friendly for all ages. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3681-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Rosemond TN, Blake CE, Buff SM, Blake EW, Dunn BL, Browne T, Bell BA, Iachini AL. Sensitizing Future Health Professionals to Determinants of Childhood Obesity. Am J Prev Med 2016; 51:106-13. [PMID: 26876771 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2015] [Revised: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Long-term solutions to the childhood obesity epidemic will require concerted interdisciplinary efforts that are sensitive to both individual and social determinants of health. The Junior Doctors of Health© (JDOH) program involves interprofessional education (IPE) with university students from health science fields (e.g., medicine, pharmacy, social work, public health) who deliver an interactive program in teams to at-risk school-aged youth. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of participation in the JDOH IPE program on university students' beliefs about childhood obesity. Fifty-three of the 71 health sciences students enrolled in the JDOH IPE program between 2011 and 2013 participated in this study. Pre- and post-surveys assessed students' beliefs about the importance, causes of, and responsibility for reducing childhood obesity with both closed- and open-ended questions. In 2013, quantitative data were analyzed using Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank tests and qualitative data were analyzed through open coding to identify emergent themes. Results indicate that after participation in the JDOH IPE program, students' identification of social and environmental causes of childhood obesity increased significantly. Further, students' ranking of the importance of obesity was initially higher than those of different issues typically portrayed as social or environmental (e.g., youth violence) but it was similarly ranked after participation in JDOH. This suggests a greater sensitivity to social and environmental challenges faced by youth. Findings suggest that IPE experiences that bring clinical and community-oriented health professions together to engage with disadvantaged youth foster sensitivity to the complexities of childhood obesity in low-income settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiara N Rosemond
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina.
| | - Christine E Blake
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Scotty M Buff
- College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Elizabeth W Blake
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Brianne L Dunn
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Teri Browne
- College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Bethany A Bell
- College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Aidyn L Iachini
- College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
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Phelan SM, Burgess DJ, Puhl R, Dyrbye LN, Dovidio JF, Yeazel M, Ridgeway JL, Nelson D, Perry S, Przedworski JM, Burke SE, Hardeman RR, van Ryn M. The Adverse Effect of Weight Stigma on the Well-Being of Medical Students with Overweight or Obesity: Findings from a National Survey. J Gen Intern Med 2015; 30:1251-8. [PMID: 26173517 PMCID: PMC4539327 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-015-3266-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The stigma of obesity is a common and overt social bias. Negative attitudes and derogatory humor about overweight/obese individuals are commonplace among health care providers and medical students. As such, medical school may be particularly threatening for students who are overweight or obese. OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to assess the frequency that obese/overweight students report being stigmatized, the degree to which stigma is internalized, and the impact of these factors on their well-being. DESIGN We performed cross-sectional analysis of data from the Medical Student Cognitive Habits and Growth Evaluation Study (CHANGES) survey. PARTICIPANTS A total of 4,687 first-year medical students (1,146 overweight/obese) from a stratified random sample of 49 medical schools participated in the study. MAIN MEASURES Implicit and explicit self-stigma were measured with the Implicit Association Test and Anti-Fat Attitudes Questionnaire. Overall health, anxiety, depression, fatigue, self-esteem, sense of mastery, social support, loneliness, and use of alcohol/drugs to cope with stress were measured using previously validated scales. KEY RESULTS Among obese and overweight students, perceived stigma was associated with each measured component of well-being, including anxiety (beta coefficient [b] = 0.18; standard error [SE] = 0.03; p < 0.001) and depression (b = 0.20; SE = 0.03; p < 0.001). Among the subscales of the explicit self-stigma measure, dislike of obese people was associated with several factors, including depression (b = 0.07; SE = .01; p < 0.001), a lower sense of mastery (b = -0.10; SE = 0.02; p < 0.001), and greater likelihood of using drugs or alcohol to cope with stress (b = .05; SE = 0.01; p < 0.001). Fear of becoming fat was associated with each measured component of well-being, including lower body esteem (b = -0.25; SE = 0.01; p < 0.001) and less social support (b = -0.06; SE = 0.01; p < 0.001). Implicit self-stigma was not consistently associated with well-being factors. Compared to normal-weight/underweight peers, overweight/obese medical students had worse overall health (b = -0.33; SE = 0.03; p < 0.001) and body esteem (b = -0.70; SE = 0.02; p < 0.001), and overweight/obese female students reported less social support (b = -0.12; SE = 0.03; p < 0.001) and more loneliness (b = 0.22; SE = 0.04; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Perceived and internalized weight stigma may contribute to worse well-being among overweight/obese medical students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Phelan
- College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA,
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Weston TD, Hass NC, Lim SL. The effect of sad facial expressions on weight judgment. Front Psychol 2015; 6:417. [PMID: 25914669 PMCID: PMC4392295 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the body weight evaluation (e.g., normal or overweight) of others relies on perceptual impressions, it also can be influenced by other psychosocial factors. In this study, we explored the effect of task-irrelevant emotional facial expressions on judgments of body weight and the relationship between emotion-induced weight judgment bias and other psychosocial variables including attitudes toward obese persons. Forty-four participants were asked to quickly make binary body weight decisions for 960 randomized sad and neutral faces of varying weight levels presented on a computer screen. The results showed that sad facial expressions systematically decreased the decision threshold of overweight judgments for male faces. This perceptual decision bias by emotional expressions was positively correlated with the belief that being overweight is not under the control of obese persons. Our results provide experimental evidence that task-irrelevant emotional expressions can systematically change the decision threshold for weight judgments, demonstrating that sad expressions can make faces appear more overweight than they would otherwise be judged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trent D Weston
- Department of Psychology, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO USA
| | - Norah C Hass
- Department of Psychology, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO USA
| | - Seung-Lark Lim
- Department of Psychology, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO USA
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Jochemsen-van der Leeuw HGAR, van Dijk N, de Jong W, Wieringa-de Waard M. Educating the clinical trainer: professional gain for the trainee? A controlled intervention study in general practice. PERSPECTIVES ON MEDICAL EDUCATION 2014; 3:455-473. [PMID: 25338922 PMCID: PMC4263792 DOI: 10.1007/s40037-014-0142-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to establish whether a 'teach-the-trainer' course leads to improvements in, firstly, the knowledge and attitude of clinical trainers and their trainees, and, secondly, the role model behaviour of the clinical trainers. A controlled intervention study was performed with GP trainers and GP trainees from four training institutes in the Netherlands. Clinical trainers in the two intervention institutes received two 3-h training sessions on weight management, focusing on knowledge and attitudes towards obesity, and on conveying the correct professional competency as a positive role model for trainees. This was measured using questionnaires on knowledge, attitude, and role model behaviour (the role model apperception tool; RoMAT). GP trainers showed an increase in knowledge and several characteristics could be identified as being related to positive role model behaviour. A small correlation was found between the trainer's score on the RoMAT and the attitude of the trainee. A teach-the-trainer course in which knowledge, attitudes, and role modelling are integrated proved to be a first step toward improving the knowledge of clinical trainers, but did not result in a measurably better professional outcome for the trainee, maybe due to a more objective level of assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- H G A Ria Jochemsen-van der Leeuw
- Department of General Practice/Family Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, PO Box 22700, 1100 DE, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Nynke van Dijk
- Department of General Practice/Family Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, PO Box 22700, 1100 DE, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wilfried de Jong
- Department of General Practice/Family Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Nijmegen, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Margreet Wieringa-de Waard
- Department of General Practice/Family Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, PO Box 22700, 1100 DE, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Setchell J, Watson B, Jones L, Gard M, Briffa K. Physiotherapists demonstrate weight stigma: a cross-sectional survey of Australian physiotherapists. J Physiother 2014; 60:157-62. [PMID: 25084637 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphys.2014.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
QUESTION Do physiotherapists demonstrate explicit and implicit weight stigma? DESIGN Cross-sectional survey with partial blinding of participants. PARTICIPANTS responded to the Anti-Fat Attitudes questionnaire and physiotherapy case studies with body mass index (BMI) manipulated (normal or overweight/obese). The Anti-Fat Attitudes questionnaire included 13 items scored on a Likert-type scale from 0 to 8. Any score greater than zero indicated explicit weight stigma. Implicit weight stigma was determined by comparing responses to case studies with people of different BMI categories (where responses were quantitative) and by thematic and count analysis for free-text responses. PARTICIPANTS Australian physiotherapists (n=265) recruited via industry networks. RESULTS The mean item score for the Anti-Fat Attitudes questionnaire was 3.2 (SD 1.1), which indicated explicit weight stigma. The Dislike (2.1, SD 1.2) subscale had a lower mean item score than the Fear (3.9, SD 1.8) and Willpower (4.9, SD 1.5) subscales. There was minimal indication from the case studies that people who are overweight receive different treatment from physiotherapists in clinical parameters such as length of treatment time (p=0.73) or amount of hands-on treatment (p=0.88). However, there were indications of implicit weight stigma in the way participants discussed weight in free-text responses about patient management. CONCLUSION Physiotherapists demonstrate weight stigma. This finding is likely to affect the way they communicate with patients about their weight, which may negatively impact their patients. It is recommended that physiotherapists reflect on their own attitudes towards people who are overweight and whether weight stigma influences treatment focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Setchell
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Liz Jones
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Australia
| | - Michael Gard
- School of Education, Southern Cross University and School of Human Movement Studies, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Kathy Briffa
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Australia
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Puhl RM, Luedicke J, Grilo CM. Obesity bias in training: attitudes, beliefs, and observations among advanced trainees in professional health disciplines. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2014; 22:1008-15. [PMID: 24124078 PMCID: PMC3968226 DOI: 10.1002/oby.20637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Revised: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined weight bias among students training in health disciplines and its associations with their perceptions about treating patients with obesity, causes of obesity, and observations of weight bias by instructors and peers. METHODS Students (N = 107) enrolled in a post-graduate health discipline (Physician Associate, Clinical Psychology, Psychiatric Residency) completed anonymous questionnaires to assess the above variables. RESULTS Students reported that patients with obesity are a common target of negative attitudes and derogatory humor by peers (63%), health-care providers (65%), and instructors (40%). Although 80% of students felt confident to treat obesity, many reported that patients with obesity lack motivation to make changes (33%), lead to feelings of frustration (36%), and are non-compliant with treatment (36%). Students with higher weight bias expressed greater frustration in these areas. The effect of students' weight bias on expectations for treatment compliance of patients with obesity was partially mediated by beliefs that obesity is caused by behavioral factors. CONCLUSIONS Weight bias is commonly observed by students in health disciplines, who themselves report frustrations and stereotypes about treating patients with obesity. These findings contribute new knowledge about weight bias among students and provide several targets for medical training and education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M Puhl
- Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA,
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Kushner RF, Zeiss DM, Feinglass JM, Yelen M. An obesity educational intervention for medical students addressing weight bias and communication skills using standardized patients. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2014; 14:53. [PMID: 24636594 PMCID: PMC3995306 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6920-14-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In order to manage the increasing worldwide problem of obesity, medical students will need to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to assess and counsel patients with obesity. Few educational intervention studies have been conducted with medical students addressing stigma and communication skills with patients who are overweight or obese. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in students' attitudes and beliefs about obesity, and their confidence in communication skills after a structured educational intervention that included a clinical encounter with an overweight standardized patient (SP). METHODS First year medical students (n = 127, 47% female) enrolled in a communications unit were instructed to discuss the SPs' overweight status and probe about their perceptions of being overweight during an 8 minute encounter. Prior to the session, students were asked to read two articles on communication and stigma as background information. Reflections on the readings and their performance with the SP were conducted prior to and after the encounter when students met in small groups. A newly constructed 16 item questionnaire was completed before, immediately after and one year after the session. Scale analysis was performed based on a priori classification of item intent. RESULTS Three scales emerged from the questionnaire: negative obesity stereotyping (7 items), empathy (3 items), and counseling confidence (3 items). There were small but significant immediate post-intervention improvements in stereotyping (p = .002) and empathy (p < .0001) and a very large mean improvement in confidence (p < .0001). Significant improvement between baseline and immediate follow-up responses were maintained for empathy and counseling at one year after the encounter but stereotyping reverted to the baseline mean. Percent of students with improved scale scores immediately and at one year follow up were as follows: stereotyping 53.1% and 57.8%; empathy 48.4% and 47.7%; and confidence 86.7% and 85.9%. CONCLUSIONS A structured encounter with an overweight SP was associated with a significant short-term decrease in negative stereotyping, and longer-term increase in empathy and raised confidence among first year medical students toward persons who are obese. The encounter was most effective for increasing confidence in counseling skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert F Kushner
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Molecular Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 750 North Lake Shore Drive, Rubloff 9-976, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Dinah M Zeiss
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Molecular Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 750 North Lake Shore Drive, Rubloff 9-976, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Joseph M Feinglass
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 750 North Lake Shore Drive, Rubloff 10th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Marsha Yelen
- Office of Medical Education, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 240 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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