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Kocol D, Bäuerle A, Schadendorf T, Geiger S, Krakowczyk JB, Skoda EM, Teufel M. Efficacy of eHealth interventions to reduce depression symptoms in individuals with obesity: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1296433. [PMID: 38516265 PMCID: PMC10954845 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1296433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Obesity and depression are inter-related health concerns, demanding a high level of treatment and costs in the health care system. The development of eHealth interventions that simultaneously address obesity and mental health can be supportive in this regard. However, evidence of the efficacy of eHealth interventions in the treatment of depression symptoms in individuals with obesity is lacking. The aim of this systematic literature review is to evaluate the efficacy of existing eHealth interventions for individuals with obesity that target depression symptoms. Methods We systematically searched electronic databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus) to identify studies published in English between January 2016 and January 2023, that focused on eHealth interventions, targeting depression symptoms in individuals with obesity people. Exclusion criteria were study objectives that (1) focused specifically on one or more metabolic comorbidities of individuals with obesity, e.g., hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes; (2) focused specifically on eating disorders comorbidities e.g., binge eating disorder, and (3) focused specifically on patients before or after bariatric surgery. Results The database search identified 214 records. Six articles were included in this review. Sample sizes ranged from 70 to 1267 participants of ages 18-60 years. All included studies were randomized controlled trials. Two of the six included studies were web-based interventions guided either by medical doctors or psychologists. All interventions included video, printed materials, and interactive parts of which two studies integrated elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Social Cognitive Therapy. The findings showed that eHealth treatment services, supported and guided throughout the intervention had high acceptance and efficacy in the reduction of depression symptoms among individuals with obesity. Conclusion EHealth interventions that address and target both mental and physical health with interactive strategies calls for better efficacy in the reduction of depression symptoms. Future eHealth interventions that target depression symptoms in individuals with obesity should integrate digital strategies that address both mental and physical health through interactive modules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilara Kocol
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexander Bäuerle
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Theresa Schadendorf
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sheila Geiger
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Julia Barbara Krakowczyk
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Skoda
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Martin Teufel
- Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LVR-University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Mohamed RA, Alhujaily M, Ahmed FA, Nouh WG, Almowafy AA. Exploring the potential impact of applying web-based training program on nurses' knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding evidence-based practice: A quasi-experimental study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297071. [PMID: 38330025 PMCID: PMC10852226 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Evidence-based practice (EBP) has gained significant importance in clinical practice worldwide, including in nursing. This study aimed to explore the potential impact of applying a web-based training program on nurses' knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding EBP. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest research design was utilized with a purposive sample of 64 professional nurses who agreed to participate. The study took place in different hospitals and primary healthcare centers in the Bisha Governorate, Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. A four-week standardized web-based training program was implemented using an online learning approach. Nurses were provided with an online self-rated data collection tool through the Google Forms platform. The findings indicated a highly significant difference in the total knowledge and EBP skills mean scores of the post-intervention (53.08±15.9) and (66.03±8.95), respectively compared to pre-intervention (P<0.05). Additionally, there was marked improvement in the mean scores of the positive attitude of the training sessions post-intervention compared to pre-intervention. The program was also well-received by the nurses in terms of quality and usability. The program has the potential to enhance nurses' knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward EBP. Therefore, healthcare organizations may consider adopting web-based training as a means of continuing professional education to promote EBP competencies among nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha A. Mohamed
- Department of Nursing, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, Bisha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhanad Alhujaily
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, Bisha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Faransa A. Ahmed
- Department of Nursing, College of Applied Medical Sciences in Alnamas, University of Bisha, Bisha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Wael G. Nouh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, Bisha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Abeer A. Almowafy
- International Islamic Center for Population Studies and Research, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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Železnik U, Kokol P, Starc J, Železnik D, Završnik J, Vošner HB. Research Trends in Motivation and Weight Loss: A Bibliometric-Based Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:3086. [PMID: 38063654 PMCID: PMC10706120 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11233086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a complex disease that, like COVID-19, has reached pandemic proportions. Consequently, it has become a rapidly growing scientific field, represented by an extensive body of research publications. Therefore, the aim of this study was to present the research trends in the scientific literature on motivation and weight loss. Because traditional knowledge synthesis approaches are not appropriate for analyzing large corpora of research evidence, we utilized a novel knowledge synthesis approach called synthetic knowledge synthesis (SKS) to generate new holistic insights into obesity research focusing on motivation. SKS is a triangulation of bibliometric analysis, bibliometric mapping, and content analysis. Using it, we analyzed the corpus of publications retrieved from the Scopus database, using the search string TITLE-ABS-KEY((obesity or overweight) and "weight loss" and motiv*) in titles, keywords, and abstracts, without any additional inclusion or exclusion criteria. The search resulted in a corpus of 2301 publications. The United States of America, the United Kingdom, and Australia were the most productive countries. Four themes emerged, namely, weight loss and weight-loss maintenance through motivational interventions, lifestyle changes supported by smart ICT, maintaining sustainable weight with a healthier lifestyle, and weight management on the level of primary healthcare and bariatric surgery. Further, we established that the volume of research literature is growing, as is the scope of the research. However, we observed a regional concentration of research and its funding in developed countries and almost nonexistent research cooperation between developed and less-developed countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uroš Železnik
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences Slovenj Gradec, 2380 Slovenj Gradec, Slovenia; (D.Ž.); (H.B.V.)
- Health Education Center, Community Healthcare Center Ptuj, 2250 Ptuj, Slovenia
| | - Peter Kokol
- Laboratory for System Design, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Jasmina Starc
- Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, University of Novo Mesto, 8000 Novo Mesto, Slovenia;
| | - Danica Železnik
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences Slovenj Gradec, 2380 Slovenj Gradec, Slovenia; (D.Ž.); (H.B.V.)
| | - Jernej Završnik
- Community Healthcare Center Dr. Adolf Drolc Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
| | - Helena Blažun Vošner
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences Slovenj Gradec, 2380 Slovenj Gradec, Slovenia; (D.Ž.); (H.B.V.)
- Community Healthcare Center Dr. Adolf Drolc Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
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Guerra PH, Sposito LAC, da Costa FF, Fermino RC, Papini CB, Rech CR. Effectiveness of the 5A Counseling Model-Based Interventions on Physical Activity Indicators in Adults: A Systematic Review. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:476. [PMID: 37366729 DOI: 10.3390/bs13060476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To identify and appraise the effectiveness of the 5A-counseling-model-based interventions on indicators of physical activity in adults. METHODS A systematic review was conducted from systematic searches in Embase, Lilacs, Pubmed, Scielo, Scopus, Sportdiscus and Web of Science, involving studies published from its inception until May 2022. To avoid potential losses, searches also were made in Google Scholar and in reference lists. The assessment of studies, data extraction, and synthesis were carried out independently by two researchers. RESULTS Four studies composed the synthesis, which involved people with an average age between 40 and 55 years, most of the samples being women. It was observed that counseling was carried out in conjunction with other strategies, such as drawing up an action plan, sending text messages, and offering educational material. Only one study showed a statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the "daily number of steps" indicator. CONCLUSIONS Based on available studies, 5A-counseling-model-based interventions did not reflect significant findings in relation to physical activity. However, given the potential of the model, future studies are recommended with a better description of the strategies, as well as a more robust methodology, to strengthen the evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Filipe Ferreira da Costa
- Associated Post-Graduation Program in Physical Education, University of Pernambuco/Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, Brazil
| | - Rogério César Fermino
- Postgraduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Technology-Paraná, Curitiba 81310-900, Brazil
| | - Camila Bosquiero Papini
- Department of Sports Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba 38025-180, Brazil
| | - Cassiano Ricardo Rech
- Post-Graduation Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis 88040-900, Brazil
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Rodrigues AM, Kemp E, Aquino MRJ, Wilson R, Vasiljevic M, McBride K, Robson C, Loraine M, Harland J, Haighton C. Understanding the implementation of 'Making Every Contact Count' (MECC) delivered by healthcare professionals in a mental health hospital: protocol for a pragmatic formative process evaluation. Health Psychol Behav Med 2023; 11:2174698. [PMID: 36760477 PMCID: PMC9904297 DOI: 10.1080/21642850.2023.2174698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background 'Making Every Contact Count' (MECC) is a public health strategy supporting public-facing workers to use opportunities during routine contacts to enable health behaviour change. A mental health hospital in the North East of England is currently implementing a programme to embed MECC across the hospital supporting weight management ('A Weight Off Your Mind'). Bespoke MECC training has been developed to improve staff confidence in discussing physical activity, healthy eating, and related behaviour change with service users. This article describes the protocol for a pragmatic formative process evaluation to inform the implementation plan for MECC and facilitate successful implementation of the bespoke MECC training at scale. Methods/Design An 18-month, mixed method pragmatic formative process evaluation, including qualitative research, surveys, document review and stakeholder engagement. This project is conducted within a mental health inpatient setting in the North East of England. Programme documents will be reviewed, mapped against MECC national guidelines, Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs) and intervention functions within the Behaviour Change Wheel. A cross-sectional survey (n = 365) and qualitative semi-structured interviews (n = 30) will be conducted with healthcare practitioners delivering MECC to assess capability, opportunity and motivation. Data collection and fidelity procedures will be examined, including design, training and delivery dimensions of fidelity. Interviews with service users (n = 20) will also be conducted. Discussion Anticipated outcomes include developing recommendations to overcome barriers to delivery of and access to MECC, including whether to either support the use of the existing MECC protocol or tailor the MECC training programme. The findings are anticipated to improve fidelity of MECC training within mental health inpatient settings as well as provide evidence for MECC training at a national level. We also expect findings to influence strategic plans, policy, and practice specific to MECC and inform best practice in implementing wider brief intervention programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M. Rodrigues
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Fuse – Centre for Translational Research in Public Health, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Angela Rodrigues Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Emma Kemp
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Rob Wilson
- Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Milica Vasiljevic
- Fuse – Centre for Translational Research in Public Health, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Kate McBride
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust, St Nicholas Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Craig Robson
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustNorth Tyneside General Hospital, North Shields, UK
| | | | - Jill Harland
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustNorth Tyneside General Hospital, North Shields, UK
| | - Catherine Haighton
- Department of Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
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Rossi AA, Manzoni GM, Pietrabissa G, Di Pauli D, Mannarini S, Castelnuovo G. Weight stigma in patients with overweight and obesity: validation of the Italian Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ). Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:2459-2472. [PMID: 35290623 PMCID: PMC9556395 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-022-01385-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to explore the factorial structure of the Italian Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ) (Study1); and to test structural validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and measurement invariance of the questionnaire across gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), age and occurrence of previous hospitalization for obesity (Study2). METHODS At admission into a hospital-based program for weight reduction and rehabilitation, 150 inpatients with overweight/obesity (68% females) completed the WSSQ (Study1). In Study2, in addition to the WSSQ, 446 inpatients (61.9% females) completed the Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS), the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT), and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). A subsample of 40 patients also re-completed the WSSQ at discharge from the hospital. RESULTS The Italian WSSQ showed good overlap with the original factorial structure (Study1) and results were confirmed in Study2. Test-retest reliability and convergent validity showed adequate values. Measurement invariance revealed that WSSQ was perfectly invariant across both BMI and the occurrence of previous hospitalizations for obesity. In both studies, the internal consistency of the questionnaire was deemed acceptable. CONCLUSIONS The Italian WSSQ is a valid, reliable, and invariant tool for the assessment of weight-related self-stigma among patients with overweight/obesity. Future studies should assess its longitudinal invariance as well as its responsiveness to weight reduction treatments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V, descriptive study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Alberto Rossi
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy. .,Interdepartmental Center for Family Research, Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
| | - Gian Mauro Manzoni
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Ospedale San Giuseppe, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Verbania, Italy.,Faculty of Psychology, eCampus University, Novedrate, Como, Italy
| | - Giada Pietrabissa
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Ospedale San Giuseppe, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Verbania, Italy.,Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Mannarini
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.,Interdepartmental Center for Family Research, Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Ospedale San Giuseppe, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Verbania, Italy.,Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Madigan CD, Graham HE, Sturgiss E, Kettle VE, Gokal K, Biddle G, Taylor GMJ, Daley AJ. Effectiveness of weight management interventions for adults delivered in primary care: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ 2022; 377:e069719. [PMID: 35636762 PMCID: PMC9150078 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2021-069719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the effectiveness of behavioural weight management interventions for adults with obesity delivered in primary care. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF STUDIES Randomised controlled trials of behavioural weight management interventions for adults with a body mass index ≥25 delivered in primary care compared with no treatment, attention control, or minimal intervention and weight change at ≥12 months follow-up. DATA SOURCES Trials from a previous systematic review were extracted and the search completed using the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, PubMed, and PsychINFO from 1 January 2018 to 19 August 2021. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two reviewers independently identified eligible studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Meta-analyses were conducted with random effects models, and a pooled mean difference for both weight (kg) and waist circumference (cm) were calculated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome was weight change from baseline to 12 months. Secondary outcome was weight change from baseline to ≥24 months. Change in waist circumference was assessed at 12 months. RESULTS 34 trials were included: 14 were additional, from a previous review. 27 trials (n=8000) were included in the primary outcome of weight change at 12 month follow-up. The mean difference between the intervention and comparator groups at 12 months was -2.3 kg (95% confidence interval -3.0 to -1.6 kg, I2=88%, P<0.001), favouring the intervention group. At ≥24 months (13 trials, n=5011) the mean difference in weight change was -1.8 kg (-2.8 to -0.8 kg, I2=88%, P<0.001) favouring the intervention. The mean difference in waist circumference (18 trials, n=5288) was -2.5 cm (-3.2 to -1.8 cm, I2=69%, P<0.001) in favour of the intervention at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS Behavioural weight management interventions for adults with obesity delivered in primary care are effective for weight loss and could be offered to members of the public. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42021275529.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire D Madigan
- Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour (CLiMB), The School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Henrietta E Graham
- Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour (CLiMB), The School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Elizabeth Sturgiss
- School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Victoria E Kettle
- Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour (CLiMB), The School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Kajal Gokal
- Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour (CLiMB), The School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Greg Biddle
- Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour (CLiMB), The School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Gemma M J Taylor
- Department of Psychology, Addiction and Mental Health Group, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Amanda J Daley
- Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour (CLiMB), The School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
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Sherf-Dagan S, Kessler Y, Mardy-Tilbor L, Raziel A, Sakran N, Boaz M, Kaufman-Shriqui V. The Effect of an Education Module to Reduce Weight Bias among Medical Centers Employees: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Obes Facts 2022; 15:384-394. [PMID: 35066508 PMCID: PMC9210013 DOI: 10.1159/000521856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Weight bias, stigma, and discrimination are common among healthcare professionals. We aimed to evaluate whether an online education module affects weight bias and knowledge about obesity in a private medical center setting. METHODS An open-label randomized controlled trial was conducted among all employees of a chain of private medical centers in Israel (n = 3,290). Employees who confirmed their consent to participate in the study were randomized into intervention or control (i.e., "no intervention") arms. The study intervention was an online 15-min educational module that included obesity, weight bias, stigma, and discrimination information. Questionnaires on Anti-Fat Attitudes (AFA), fat-phobia scale (F-scale), and beliefs about the causes of obesity were answered at baseline (i.e., right before the intervention), 7 days, and 30 days post-intervention. RESULTS A total of 506, 230, and 145 employees responded to the baseline, 7-day, and 30-day post-intervention questionnaires, respectively. Mean participant age was 43.3 ± 11.6 years, 84.6% were women, and 67.4% held an academic degree. Mean F-scale scores and percentage of participants with above-average fat-phobic attitudes (≥3.6) significantly decreased only within the intervention group over time (p ≤ 0.042). However, no significant differences between groups over time were observed for AFA scores or factors beliefs to cause obesity. CONCLUSIONS A single exposure to an online education module on weight bias and knowledge about obesity may confer only a modest short-term improvement in medical center employees' fat-phobic attitudes toward people with obesity. Future studies should examine if reexposure to such intervention could impact weight bias, stigma, and discrimination among medical center staff in the long-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiri Sherf-Dagan
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
- Department of Nutrition, Assuta Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yafit Kessler
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
- Assia Medical Group, Assuta Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Asnat Raziel
- Assia Medical Group, Assuta Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nasser Sakran
- Assia Medical Group, Assuta Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Surgery, Holy Family Hospital, Nazareth, Israel
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine Safed, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Mona Boaz
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Vered Kaufman-Shriqui
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
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