Measuring Overweight and Obesity in Persons with Spinal Cord Injury: What Do Health Providers Use and What are the Challenges?

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Obesity is a significant health concern for veterans and individuals with spinal cord injury, yet screening for overweight/obesity can be challenging. This study examines how healthcare providers screen for overweight/obesity and the challenges encountered in identifying overweight/obesity in veterans and persons with spinal cord injury. Materials and Methods Healthcare providers who provide care for persons with spinal cord injury completed a semi-structured interview. The interview explored their perspectives on measuring overweight/obesity in persons with spinal cord injury and the challenges they faced. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes that emerged from the interviews. Results Twenty-five providers (88% female with an average experience of 9.6 ± 7.3 years in providing care for spinal cord injury patients) participated in the interviews. The themes described the health indicators and equipment used to assess overweight/obesity, provider concerns regarding measurement, and criteria for classifying overweight/obesity. Body weight and body mass index were the most commonly used indicators. However, concerns were raised regarding accuracy of these measures for spinal cord injury patients, as well as issues related to the accessibility, calibration, and usability of the equipment. Many providers reported using standard body mass index ranges and categories instead of those specific to spinal cord injury. Conclusion This study identified the most commonly used indicators of weight or body composition in veterans and persons with spinal cord injury and highlighted providers’ concerns with these measures. Future research is needed to identify the most feasible, accurate, and appropriate health indicators that could be used in a clinical setting to identify overweight and obesity in this population.