Evaluation of Çukurova University school of medicine students beliefs, attitudes and biases regarding obesity

Aim: The purpose of the study is to examine 1st and 6th grade medical students beliefs, attitudes and biases regarding obesity and their relationship to the personal characteristics. Material and Method: The sample of the study is Çukurova University School of Medicine Students who are at the 1st and 6th grade. Data collection tools are sociodemographic information form, Beliefs about Obese Persons, Attitudes towards Obese Persons and GAMS-27 scales. Also, participants were asked their height and weight, obesity history, body perceptions, judgement on obesity about gender roles, experiences of weight bias, impression regarding co-workers and how to evaluate their own attitude. Results: The study was conducted with 170 1st grade (58%) and 149 6th grade (71%) students. The means of BAOP scale for 1st graders is found statistically significant than the 6th graders (p=0.037). ATOP scores were similar. There is low positive correlation between BAOP and examining obese patient (r=0.229), and BOAP and their ages (r=0.164). Students having obese immediate relatives have significant high scores of BOAP and ATOP, 0.048 and 0.033, respectively. There is statistically significant difference between ATOP scale scores and time allocated for examination of patients (p=0.019), witnessing a co-worker being biased to obese (p=0.05). Med students stated that they prefer to use high BMI, weight issues, obese, over-weight terms more. More than 80% of the students stated that obese do surfeit, do not exercise, may be addicted to eat, are unhealthy, not charming, and they witness co-worker biased to obese. Conclusions: Students have indifferent attitudes towards the obese. They believe that obese individuals are responsible for their obesity. This belief is stronger in sixth graders than the first graders. It is recommended to be done further research about necessary actions for future doctors to have more positive beliefs about the obese. Keywords: Obesity, bias, med school student