Date of Publication
6-1-2022
Abstract
Background: Weight bias in healthcare leads to poorer communication, misdiagnoses, and less time spent with higher BMI patients. A gap in the literature exists for characterizing weight bias in healthcare. Our study aims to understand weight bias in local practitioners and medical students. We explore awareness of bias, confidence in navigating bias, and potential interventions to reduce the impact of weight bias
Methods: The 8-item Beliefs About Obese Persons questionnaire and adapted Attitude Towards Obese Patients and Perceived Weight Bias in Health Care questionnaires were distributed to medical students and physicians via email lists.
Results: 136 responses from preclinical students (n=73), clinical students (n=26), and physicians (n=22), were analyzed with paired t-tests. Physicians had the least amount of bias, followed by preclinical and then clinical students. Physicians were more likely to believe weight bias is an issue and be confident in their ability to navigate bias than preclinical students.
72.1% of all survey respondents indicated that weight bias is a problem. Open-ended field questions were coded and indicated that more training is needed, that weight bias exists in healthcare, and that bias is difficult to discuss. Respondents chose workshops as an effective intervention.
Conclusion: In our study, physicians showed the least bias, followed by preclinical students. Our results suggest longitudinal clinical exposure may help mitigate weight bias. Many participants regard weight bias to be present and concerning and view existing methods as ineffective. This study will inform future weight bias interventions to ensure improved outcomes for patients.
Advisor(s)
Mariah McNamara, MD, MPH
Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont
Justin Graham
Community Agency Mentor
Agency
Community Health Improvement, University of Vermont Medical Center
Subjects
Access to Health Services, Educational and Community-Based Programs, Health Care Access and Quality, Health Communication, Overweight and Obesity, Preventive Care, Social and Community Context
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 License
Recommended Citation
Do, Vyha T.; Jahnavi, Jharna; Kamkar, Ryan; Kramer, Dana L.; Krueger, Casey; Nguyen, Karena P.; Pandaraboyinau, Vennela; and Parsa, Neeki, "Weight Bias in Medical Students and Healthcare Professionals" (2022). Public Health Projects, 2008-present. 359.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/359
