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Sánchez E, Ciudin A, Sánchez A, Gutiérrez-Medina S, Valdés N, Flores L, Marí-Sanchis A, Goñi F, Sánchez M, Nicolau J, Muñoz C, Díaz-Trastoy O, Cuatrecasas G, Cañizares S, Comas M, López-Cano C, Lecube A. Assessment of obesity stigma and discrimination among Spanish subjects with a wide weight range: the OBESTIGMA study. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1209245. [PMID: 37799531 PMCID: PMC10548879 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1209245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aims to assess the extent of rejection and instances of stigmatization linked to obesity within the Spanish population, encompassing a diverse spectrum of weights ranging from normal weight to morbid obesity. Additionally, the study seeks to identify the primary factors influencing these experiences and further examines the impact of bariatric surgery on such dynamics. Materials and methods Multicenter observational study with involving a total of 1,018 participants who were recruited from various Obesity Units. Negatives attitudes towards people with obesity were assessed through three questionnaires: (i) Antifat Attitudes Scale (AFA), (ii) Stigmatizing Situations Inventory (SSI) and (iii) Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS). Subjects were categorized into four groups based on their BMI and history of prior bariatric surgery. Results The cumulative score across all questionnaires (AFA, SSI and WBIS) exhibited a progressive increase, from participants with normal weight to those with obesity (p < 0.001 for all). Within the AFA questionnaire, males showed more rejection towards people with obesity than women, also perceiving obesity as a disease linked to a lack of willpower (p = 0.004 and p = 0.030, respectively). The overall SSI score was negatively associated with age (r = -0.080, p = 0.011), with young participants encountering more stigmatizing experiences than their adult counterparts. Neither employment status nor educational demonstrated a significant association with any of the questionnaires. Interestingly, patients who underwent lost weight following bariatric surgery did not exhibit improved outcomes. Conclusion Individuals with obesity demonstrate a heightened level of aversion towards the disease compared to those with normal weight. Concurrently, the incidence of stigmatizing encounters displays a concerning escalation among younger individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enric Sánchez
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova de Lleida, Obesity, Diabetes and Metabolism (ODIM) Research Group, IRBLleida, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Andreea Ciudin
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebrón, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Sánchez
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Ferrol, Ferrol, Spain
| | - Sonsoles Gutiérrez-Medina
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Valdés
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario de Cabueñes, Gijón, Spain
| | - Lilliam Flores
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amelia Marí-Sanchis
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Fernando Goñi
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario de Basurto, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Marta Sánchez
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario Doctor Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Joana Nicolau
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario Son Llàtzer, Palma, Spain
| | - Concepción Muñoz
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Olaia Díaz-Trastoy
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Pontevedra, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Guillem Cuatrecasas
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Clínica Sagrada Familia-CPEN Barcelona, Health Science Department, UOC University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Cañizares
- Obesity Unit, Psychiatry and Psycology Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Clinical Psycology and Psycobiology Department, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Comas
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebrón, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carolina López-Cano
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova de Lleida, Obesity, Diabetes and Metabolism (ODIM) Research Group, IRBLleida, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Albert Lecube
- Obesity Unit, Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova de Lleida, Obesity, Diabetes and Metabolism (ODIM) Research Group, IRBLleida, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
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Gajewski EM. Effects of weight bias training on student nurse empathy: A quasiexperimental study. Nurse Educ Pract 2023; 66:103538. [PMID: 36577259 DOI: 10.1016/j.nepr.2022.103538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to identify the efficacy of weight bias training on the empathy skills of student nurses when working with a person with obesity. BACKGROUND Weight bias with nurses harboring negative attitudes towards patients with obesity results in inferior care and patients' reluctance to seek medical care. Empathy is a communication skill used in nursing to build trust and rapport with patients to provide optimal patient-centered care. METHODS This study used a quasi-experimental design with 121 undergraduate nursing students in their first semester of the nursing program. The students completed learning activities on weight bias, including reading an article on weight bias, watching a video showing an individual with obesity's experiences in the healthcare setting and participating in a group discussion and reflection on the article and video. In addition, students completed the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Professions Students' version before and after the learning activities. Following the learning activities, students participated in a simulation activity with a standardized patient wearing an obesity suit. The standardized patient completed the Jefferson Scale of Patient Perceptions of Nurse Empathy to rate the patient's perception of the nursing student's level of empathy based on their interactions in the simulation scenario. RESULTS A comparison of the scores on the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-HPS showed there was not a significant difference in the scores before learning activities (M = 15.45, SD = 12.7) and post-learning activities (M = 15.94, SD = 11.5); t(120) = 0.476, p = .635. Data analysis identified significant changes in empathy scores on the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-HPS in the accelerated second-degree cohort with differences in scores before learning activities (M = 113.7, SD = 10.5) and post-learning activities (M = 116.5, SD = 13.4); t(50) = 2.02, p = .049. The traditional cohort did not have a significant change in empathy scores. Empathy scores and the patient's perception of empathy scores showed no relationship. Most (79 %) of the patient's perception of empathy scores was moderate. Student comments in this study support the findings that some nursing students harbor weight bias towards individuals with obesity. CONCLUSION There is a need to identify learning activities that eliminate weight bias in the nursing student population and result in the student's ability to demonstrate appropriate communication skills and nursing behaviors in a nondiscriminatory manner to the patient with obesity. To improve empathy behaviors, students should practice communication skills throughout the nursing curriculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen M Gajewski
- School of Nursing, Oakland University, 433 Meadow Brook Road, Rochester, MI 48309-4452, United States.
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Ozaydin T, Kaya Tuncbeden MM. An investigation of the prejudice and stigmatization levels of nursing students towards obese individuals. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2022; 40:109-114. [PMID: 36064233 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
AIM The study was conducted to determine the prejudice and stigmatization levels of nursing students towards obese individuals. DESIGN AND METHODS This descriptive and correlational study was conducted in Turkey in 2021 with 233 students in the nursing department of a state university. The data were collected using the Information Form, GAMS-27 Obesity Prejudice Scale, and the Stigma Scale. Independent sample t-test, One-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. RESULTS The findings suggest that the students are prone to prejudice and their tendency to stigmatize is high. It was found that the difference between the student's year of study and obesity prejudices, and between family types and stigmatization levels was significant. It was determined that the stigmatization levels of the students were a determining factor on the obesity prejudice levels and there was a weak positive correlation between them. CONCLUSIONS Nursing students are prone to showing prejudice towards obese individuals and their stigmatization levels are high. In this respect, it is recommended that prejudice and stigmatization issues regarding obesity should be included in the nursing curriculum before students start their professional life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuba Ozaydin
- Selcuk University Faculty of Nursing, Konya, Turkey.
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