TBA (22W114)

What treatment options do patients with obesity complications prefer?

Author(s)

Mr David Walley, Ms Hilary Craig, Professor Carel W. le Roux

Department(s)/Institutions

UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. Diabetes Complications Research Centre, UCD Conway Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland

Introduction

Obesity is recognised as a disease with more than 220 different complications including type 2 diabetes (T2D), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), all of which contributes to an increased in mortality. Patients presenting with obesity complications face challenges when deciding on treatment options for their disease.

Aims/Background

We aimed to understand the patients’ perspective of treatment options and what influences their decision.

Method

We used photovoice, a form of participatory action research. We recruited six patients with obesity complications.2 Over two weeks, patients took photos representing their concerns of living with obesity complications, their hopes and desires from engaging in treatment. Interviews were then conducted with patients to discuss the images. We then completed a thematic analysis.

Results

The overarching themes observed based on Photovoice were self-blame about the participant’s weight compounded by a lack of support from health care professionals. Physical and emotional factors included a lack of mobility and anxiety impacting their intra-personal environment. Treatment choice was a universal theme for all participants with the majority expressing concerns in respect to access, availability, cost and side effects. The majority preferred nutrition-based therapy with a minority choosing pharmacotherapy or surgical therapy. Participants highlighted their perceptions of care received as well as their knowledge of treatment options.

Conclusions

Participants outlined their preferences for treatment and the factors which influence that process. The voice of patients with obesity complications needs to be considered when planning healthcare policy, guidelines, and services. Assessing factors that influence a patient’s choice about treatment will inform service providers and enable providers to address patient concerns and barriers to treatment.

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