Evaluation of family physicians attitudes and communication skills towards obese individuals

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the attitudes and communication skills of Family Physicians regarding obesity and to examine the factors affecting this situation. Materials and Methods: A total of 428 Family Physicians working in Family Health Centers between 01.09.2024 and 31.12.2024 participated in our descriptive and cross-sectional study. A personal information form, the Attitude Scale Towards Obese, and the Communication Skills Inventory-Short Form were administered to the voluntary participants as an online questionnaire via Google Forms. Results: The mean age of the Family Physicians participating in the study was 40.88±8.89, the mean Body Mass Index was 26.76±4.07 kg/m², 62.4% were male, and 14.7% were specialist physicians. The mean score of the Attitude Scale Towards Obese Individuals was 62.23±13.12. The mean score of the Communication Skills Inventory Short Form was 62.49±6.99. Among the participants, 59.1% had received training on obesity, 36.7% considered themselves competent in the management of obese patients, 74.8% believed that obese patients could permanently lose weight through lifestyle changes, 93.2% believed that obese patients increased the burden on the healthcare system. Conclusion: In our study, it was found that Family Physicians limited positive attitudes towards obese individuals and high communication skills. The scope of obesity training for Family Physicians should be expanded and its content reviewed. Keywords: Family Physician, obesity, attitude, communication skills