Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026
A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Patient-provider communication quality: Impact of patients' weight, race and ethnicity
Kiara K Spooner1, Justin Swanson2, Jason L Salemi3
1UH Population Health, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Clinical Sciences, Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Family & Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
Objective:
This study examined variations in patient-provider communication quality by weight status, and weight-race/ethnicity status, among adult patients aged ≥ 18 years in the U.S.
Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional secondary analysis of 2015-2020 data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) household component (N = 23,047). Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used to characterize the study population. Multivariable logistic and linear regression were used to examine the relationship between patients' weight status and communication quality.
Results:
Patients with a BMI ≥ 40.0 (obesity class III) had a statistically significantly lower composite communication quality score (86.7), compared to healthy weight patients (87.8). Compared to healthy weight patients, patients with obesity had a statistically significant 19% lower odds of reporting providers listened carefully or showed respect for what they said (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.81, 95%CI: 0.69-0.94 and aOR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.69-0.95, respectively). NH-Whites with obesity had a lower odds of reporting providers listened carefully, showed respect, and spent enough time with them. Hispanics with obesity showed a lower odds of experiencing high-quality explanations (aOR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.54-0.92). NH-Blacks with obesity had a statistically significant 24-49% lower odds of reporting providers listened and gave high-quality explanations in the unadjusted model (OR: 0.76, 95%CI: 0.58-0.98 and OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.40-0.65, respectively), but not in the adjusted models.
Conclusion:
Adult patients with obesity experience a lower quality of communication with their health care providers, particularly relating to listening and shows of respect, compared to adults with a healthy weight. Disparities in patient-provider communication quality persist among racial/ethnic minorities with overweight and obesity.
Practice Implications:
Findings from this study may inform educational and research endeavors which aim to enhance patient-provider communication and the quality of care among adults with overweight and obesity.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
01:21Drug Dosing: Obese Patients
01:25Role of Communication in the Nursing Process II: Planning and Implementation
01:25Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution
01:30Therapeutic Communication
Verbal communication depends on language or a prescribed way of using words so that people can share information effectively. The critical aspects of verbal...
01:25Role of Communication in the Nursing Process I: Assessment and Diagnosis
The nursing process considers the patient's emotional and physical well-being. The process can be repeated or stopped at any point if judged essential. Assessment is the first step in the nursing process.