FREQUENCY AWARENESS AND MANAGEMENT OF OBESITY AMONG HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

HÜLYA ÇAKMUR¹, TURGUT ANUK²

¹University of Kafkas, School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Kars, Turkey - ²University of Kafkas, School of Medicine, Department of General Surgery, Kars, Turkey

Introduction: Obesity is a growing public health problem all over the world. To create a healthy generation and for health promotion, obesity must be more emphasised among healthcare providers and policy makers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency, awareness and self-management of obesity among healthcare providers. This study also evaluated whether socio- demographic factors influence obesity and obesity awareness and management among the participants.

Material and methods: The study was cross-sectional; the research was conducted with 493 healthcare providers. The study group ranged in age from 18-57 years. The survey questions were prepared using the World Health Organisation (WHO) STEP wise approach to noncommunicable disease risk factor surveillance.

Results: The frequency of obesity among healthcare providers was 14.9%. Obesity risks were 3.361 fold (95% CI, 1.996-5.727) higher in older age groups than younger. There was no significant relationship identified between obesity and gender. A relatively low educational level meant a 2.688-fold (95% CI, 1.590-4.546) increase in the risk of obesity. The obesity rate was significantly higher in married participants and significantly lower in childless participants. The frequency of obesity by occupation was 16% for doctors, 1% for nurses, 13% for permanent medical staff, and 22% for medical information technology staff. A higher rate of eating a regular balanced diet was observed in doctors. It was observed that cigarette smoking increased the risk of obesity 1.852-fold (95% CI, 1.282.2.973).

Conclusion: Although obesity awareness was low among all healthcare providers, the frequency of obesity was lower than the general population in this study group.