Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of General Practitioners in Lahore with Regard to Excess Weight and Obesity

Abstract

The number of people suffering from overweight has equaled the number of undernourished people. Objective: To determine knowledge, attitude and practice of resident’s general physician’s related to obesity. Methods: A KAP study was conducted among male and female physician having age between 30-60 years. Participants were asked about their knowledge, attitude and practice and scored according to their responses. The Sample size was 100. It was a questionnaire-based study. The questionnaire was divided into four parts professional and personal characteristics, including training related to obesity; knowledge of current recommendations regarding physical activity; attitudes towards obesity and patients with obesity and reported practices. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: Showed that Majority of General Practitioners (GP’s) (55%) know the prevalence of obesity and 52% know the body mass index ranges. (73%) think that obese patients are not comfortable discussing their weight. 28% GP’s measured weight and calculated BMI (66%). 54% of GP’s calculate their own body mass index. Conclusions: From this study it is observed that majority of the respondents know about prevalence of obesity and concept of BMI. It also sheds light on the fact that neither patients nor doctors are comfortable in discussing their weight specially when they are obese. General Practitioners involved in study know much about the weight related issues and their treatment as well. This highlights the need for improved communication and sensitivity when addressing excess weight related issues.