Osteopathic family physicians' attitudes, knowledge, and self-reported practices regarding obesity

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Public Health
• Family Medicine

Background:

• Obesity is a complex health issue requiring effective management strategies.
• Physician knowledge and attitudes significantly influence patient care outcomes.
• Understanding current practices among family physicians is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess osteopathic family physicians' attitudes, knowledge, and practices concerning obesity management.
• To identify gaps in training and information sources related to obesity treatment.
• To explore physicians' interest in further education and research collaboration.

Main Methods:

• A survey was developed and administered to osteopathic family physicians.
• Data collected included demographics, treatment approaches, knowledge assessment, and training needs.
• Statistical analysis explored relationships between physician characteristics and survey responses.

Main Results:

• Physicians frequently used diet, exercise, and behavior modification but were hesitant to prescribe obesity medications.
• A lack of understanding regarding proper assessment of obese patients was noted.
• Most physicians acknowledged deficiencies in their medical school training regarding obesity and expressed a desire for further education and research collaboration.

Conclusions:

• Osteopathic family physicians are motivated to improve their obesity management skills through updated research and interdisciplinary approaches.
• Enhanced training and access to current information can positively impact physician attitudes and patient care.
• Addressing knowledge gaps and providing targeted educational opportunities are essential for improving obesity treatment in primary care settings.