Survey of healthcare professionals in Samoa to evaluate their knowledge, attitude, and practice on managing obesity
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Keywords
obesity, healthcare professionals, knowledge, attitudes, practices, Samoa
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The level of obesity among the Samoan adult population has doubled since 1978 for both men and women and is a serious public health issue.
Aim: To determine the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) with regard to obesity among Samoan health professionals.
Methods: Interview front-line health workers in ten rural and one urban health facility using a developed questionnaire and observation of clinical practice. The sample comprised 130 (68%) registered nurses, 45 (24%) enrolled nurses and 15 (8%) doctors.
Findings: Most participants were well informed about the relation between obesity and non-communicable disease and were aware of the prevalence of obesity and related health risks. Contradictory advise was often given to patients about the maintenance of a healthy body weight
Discussion: There is a need to educate health workers on evidence-based weight management pathways and to develop patient care plans so overweight and obese persons attending health service facilities are informed effectively on how to lose weight.
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Ramona Boodoosingh, School of Nursing, National University of Samoa
Senior Lecturer at the School of Nursing, National University of Samoa. She holds a PhD from the NUS
Penelope Schoeffel
Professor at the Centre for Samoan Studies and Development Studies at the National University of Samoa
Tausala Aiavao
Senior Lecturer
Falelua Maua
Senior Lecturer