Physicians' Perceptions about the Emergence of Adolescent Overweight in India
Journal Title: Journal of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences University - Year 2016, Vol 5, Issue 1
Abstract
Background: Overweight is increasing in developing countries even as underweight remains highly prevalent in some communities, leading to a double burden of malnutrition. This study explored physicians' perceptions about emergence of overweight and its clinical management in a socioeconomically developing region of India, where underweight constitutes to be a major health problem among children and adolescents. Objective:This study aimed to explore how physicians in the Vijayapura city, India are understanding and managing the emerging double burden of underweight and overweight in adolescents. Material and Methods: A semi structured questionnaire was developed consisting of 35 close-ended questions about causes of obesity, gender differences, and treatment practices and three open-ended questions about the perceived main reasons for obesity .One question ranked various reasons for emergence of adolescent obesity. Twenty- ve physicians participated in the survey. Results: Physicians treated more adolescents for underweight than overweight; however, most said overweight had increased over the past 5 years (72%) while underweight had been steady or decreased (80%). Most desired more training on treating patients for overweight (92%) and under-nutrition (60%). Most agreed that urban dwelling (72%), high socioeconomic status (72%), male gender (84%) and parental obesity (80%) were risk factors for obesity. Almost all discussed eating habits (100%) and activity levels (80%), and two-thirds ranked environmental factors, like urbanization, globalization, and technology, as most inuential. Conclusion: Physicians indicated that while the predominant problem among adolescents in this part of India is underweight, overweight is increasing due to various environmental, socioeconomic, cultural, and behavioral factors
Authors and Affiliations
Shailaja Patil , J. Ports , M. C. Yadavannavar , S. A. Cunningham
Keywords
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