Khalaf Renad M, Alghamdi Hani A
Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jeddah, SAU.
Preventive Medicine, Public Health Directorate, Ministry of Health, Jeddah, SAU.
Cureus. 2024 Aug 30;16(8):e68240. doi: 10.7759/cureus.68240. eCollection 2024 Aug.
Obesity is a significant public health concern globally, with an alarming prevalence in Saudi Arabia. While anti-obesity medications (AOMs) offer a pharmacological approach to weight management, their awareness and perception remain underexplored.
To assess the knowledge, perception, and prevalence of AOM usage among primary healthcare visitors in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 361 primary healthcare visitors aged 18 to 60 in Jeddah. Data on demographics, knowledge, and usage of AOMs were collected using a structured online questionnaire. The study employed a multistage sampling technique to ensure a representative sample. Statistical analyses included median and interquartile ranges (IQR) for continuous variables and frequencies and proportions for categorical variables. Knowledge differences were assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis test. A pilot study with 10% of the sample was conducted to refine the questionnaire. Approval from the Ethics Committee was obtained, and participants provided informed consent.
The study found a median knowledge score of 44.4% regarding AOMs. Significant associations were noted between higher knowledge levels and educational attainment (p=0.008), healthcare worker status (p=0.009), monthly income (p=0.029), and previous use of weight loss medications (p<0.001). The most commonly used AOM was Ozempic (13.0%). Social media emerged as the most common source of information, positively correlating with higher knowledge levels (p=0.006). Additionally, 72.0% of participants were aware that not everyone is suitable for AOMs, and 78.9% understood that these medications are more effective when combined with diet and exercise. Side effects awareness varied, with 32.1% recognizing nausea and vomiting and 55.4% aware of the increased risks of pancreatitis.
The study reveals that primary healthcare visitors in Jeddah have a moderate level of knowledge about AOMs, with significant differences based on education, professional status, and sources of information. To improve awareness and appropriate use of AOMs, targeted educational interventions should be implemented. These interventions could help reduce obesity-related health issues by ensuring that individuals are well-informed about the benefits and risks of AOMs.
肥胖是全球重大的公共卫生问题，在沙特阿拉伯的患病率令人担忧。虽然抗肥胖药物（AOMs）为体重管理提供了一种药理学方法，但其认知度和看法仍未得到充分探索。
评估沙特阿拉伯吉达市初级医疗保健就诊者中抗肥胖药物的知识、认知和使用情况。
对吉达市361名年龄在18至60岁之间的初级医疗保健就诊者进行了一项横断面研究。使用结构化在线问卷收集了有关人口统计学、抗肥胖药物知识和使用情况的数据。该研究采用多阶段抽样技术以确保样本具有代表性。统计分析包括连续变量的中位数和四分位数间距（IQR）以及分类变量的频率和比例。使用Mann-Whitney U检验和Kruskal-Wallis检验评估知识差异。对10%的样本进行了预试验以完善问卷。获得了伦理委员会的批准，参与者提供了知情同意书。
该研究发现，关于抗肥胖药物的知识得分中位数为44.4%。在较高的知识水平与教育程度（p = 0.008）、医护人员身份（p = 0.009）、月收入（p = 0.029）以及以前使用减肥药物（p < 0.001）之间发现了显著关联。最常用的抗肥胖药物是Ozempic（13.0%）。社交媒体成为最常见的信息来源，与较高的知识水平呈正相关（p = 0.006）。此外，72.0%的参与者意识到并非每个人都适合使用抗肥胖药物，78.9%的人明白这些药物与饮食和运动相结合时更有效。对副作用的认知各不相同，32.1%的人认识到恶心和呕吐，55.4%的人知道胰腺炎风险增加。
该研究表明，吉达市的初级医疗保健就诊者对抗肥胖药物有中等程度的了解，在教育程度、职业身份和信息来源方面存在显著差异。为了提高对抗肥胖药物的认识和合理使用，应实施有针对性的教育干预措施。这些干预措施可以通过确保个人充分了解抗肥胖药物的益处和风险来帮助减少与肥胖相关的健康问题。
