Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand.
Waikato District Health Board, Private Bag 3200, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand.
J Prim Health Care. 2022 Jun;14(2):146-150. doi: 10.1071/HC22019.
Introduction Obesity is a multifaceted clinical and public health issue affecting over 34% of New Zealand adults. The Ministry of Health has positioned general practice as the best-suited location for addressing the health effects of obesity. Previous literature has identified barriers to the delivery of effective obesity management in general practice. Aim To explore Waikato GP perspectives to determine areas for improving the care of adults with weight problems. Methods A short exploratory questionnaire was used to collect data from 29 GPs across the Waikato region. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used. Results The majority of GPs reported: they would wait for their patient to raise the issue of their weight; would offer weight advice themselves as a first option before considering referral; did not view general practice as best suited in tackling the obesity epidemic; and utilised bariatric surgery as a referral option while noting the inequities in access. Discussion The survey identified barriers to discussing weight with patients and in finding effective treatment options. Psychosocial and sociocultural aspects were recognised as contributing factors to obesity, but not highlighted as available treatment options. Bariatric surgery was reported as a viable option for treatment, but with barriers to access in the public system. This study found strong trends and themes, which identify an urgent need for further exploration into weight management pathways in New Zealand.
简介 肥胖是一个多方面的临床和公共卫生问题，影响了超过 34%的新西兰成年人。卫生部将全科医学定位为解决肥胖对健康影响的最佳场所。先前的文献已经确定了在全科医学中提供有效肥胖管理的障碍。 目的 探索怀卡托全科医生的观点，确定改善成年人体重问题护理的领域。 方法 从怀卡托地区的 29 名全科医生那里收集数据使用了简短的探索性问卷。使用描述性统计和内容分析。 结果 大多数全科医生报告说：他们会等待患者提出体重问题；会在考虑转介之前，首先自己提供体重管理建议；不认为全科医学最适合应对肥胖症流行；并将减重手术作为一种转介选择，同时注意到获得手术的机会不平等。 讨论 调查发现与患者讨论体重问题和寻找有效治疗方案存在障碍。心理社会和社会文化方面被认为是肥胖的促成因素，但没有被视为可用的治疗选择。减重手术被报告为一种可行的治疗选择，但在公共系统中存在获得手术的障碍。本研究发现了强烈的趋势和主题，这表明迫切需要进一步探索新西兰的体重管理途径。
