Experiences of weight stigmatization in the Israeli healthcare system among overweight and obese individuals
Abstract Introduction Weight stigmatization, a common phenomenon in the healthcare system, exerts numerous adverse consequences on patients' wellbeing. The objective of this study was to estimate the extent and characteristics of weight stigmatization in Israel, based on the reports of overweig...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2022-01-01
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| Series: | Israel Journal of Health Policy Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13584-022-00518-9 |
| _version_ | 1818499361326235648 |
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| author | Lena Sagi-Dain Moran Echar Naama Paska-Davis |
| author_facet | Lena Sagi-Dain Moran Echar Naama Paska-Davis |
| author_sort | Lena Sagi-Dain |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Introduction Weight stigmatization, a common phenomenon in the healthcare system, exerts numerous adverse consequences on patients' wellbeing. The objective of this study was to estimate the extent and characteristics of weight stigmatization in Israel, based on the reports of overweight and obese individuals. Methods This study was performed by distribution of a cross-sectional open anonymous survey in social media platforms, targeting respondents with body mass index over 25 kg/m2. The questionnaire consisted of Likert-scale based as well as open-ended questions, evaluating the experience during past medical appointments. Our primary outcome was the prevalence of disrespectful treatment. Subgroup analysis was performed by various demographic characteristics. Results Of the 1697 respondents, 59.0% reported frequent experiences of disrespectful approach, and 48.6% noted receiving suboptimal treatment related to excess weight. Insulting, insensitive and judgmental comments were noted by 58%, stemming from diverse healthcare disciplines, while 29.3% noted office equipment not suitable for overweight people. Avoidance of a needed medical appointment was reported by 40.5%, significantly associated with past adverse experiences of weight stigmatization in the healthcare system. The respondents offered numerous suggestions to improve the existing situation, including education of the medical personnel, thorough research of obesity, and establishment of specific guidelines for approach to patients with excess weight. Conclusion Weight stigmatization is prevalent in Israeli healthcare system; thus, decreasing the rates of this phenomenon should be an important national goal. Formal education about the wide prevalence and adverse effects of weight stigmatization should be practiced by academic institutions, professional organizations, and regulatory bodies. Straightforward policies with continuing supervision should be endorsed by the healthcare system to prevent weight-based discrimination. Finally, appropriate-size equipment for obese patients should become one of the requirements for accreditation of medical centers and facilities. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-10T20:28:23Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-f07dee2ccc17456586ff0a80c0019304 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2045-4015 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-10T20:28:23Z |
| publishDate | 2022-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Israel Journal of Health Policy Research |
| spelling | doaj.art-f07dee2ccc17456586ff0a80c00193042022-12-22T01:34:46ZengBMCIsrael Journal of Health Policy Research2045-40152022-01-011111810.1186/s13584-022-00518-9Experiences of weight stigmatization in the Israeli healthcare system among overweight and obese individualsLena Sagi-Dain0Moran Echar1Naama Paska-Davis2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carmel Medical Center, Genetics InstituteDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carmel Medical Center, Genetics InstituteAriel UniversityAbstract Introduction Weight stigmatization, a common phenomenon in the healthcare system, exerts numerous adverse consequences on patients' wellbeing. The objective of this study was to estimate the extent and characteristics of weight stigmatization in Israel, based on the reports of overweight and obese individuals. Methods This study was performed by distribution of a cross-sectional open anonymous survey in social media platforms, targeting respondents with body mass index over 25 kg/m2. The questionnaire consisted of Likert-scale based as well as open-ended questions, evaluating the experience during past medical appointments. Our primary outcome was the prevalence of disrespectful treatment. Subgroup analysis was performed by various demographic characteristics. Results Of the 1697 respondents, 59.0% reported frequent experiences of disrespectful approach, and 48.6% noted receiving suboptimal treatment related to excess weight. Insulting, insensitive and judgmental comments were noted by 58%, stemming from diverse healthcare disciplines, while 29.3% noted office equipment not suitable for overweight people. Avoidance of a needed medical appointment was reported by 40.5%, significantly associated with past adverse experiences of weight stigmatization in the healthcare system. The respondents offered numerous suggestions to improve the existing situation, including education of the medical personnel, thorough research of obesity, and establishment of specific guidelines for approach to patients with excess weight. Conclusion Weight stigmatization is prevalent in Israeli healthcare system; thus, decreasing the rates of this phenomenon should be an important national goal. Formal education about the wide prevalence and adverse effects of weight stigmatization should be practiced by academic institutions, professional organizations, and regulatory bodies. Straightforward policies with continuing supervision should be endorsed by the healthcare system to prevent weight-based discrimination. Finally, appropriate-size equipment for obese patients should become one of the requirements for accreditation of medical centers and facilities.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13584-022-00518-9Avoidance of treatmentHealth communicationWeight stigmatization |
| spellingShingle | Lena Sagi-Dain Moran Echar Naama Paska-Davis Experiences of weight stigmatization in the Israeli healthcare system among overweight and obese individuals Israel Journal of Health Policy Research Avoidance of treatment Health communication Weight stigmatization |
| title | Experiences of weight stigmatization in the Israeli healthcare system among overweight and obese individuals |
| title_full | Experiences of weight stigmatization in the Israeli healthcare system among overweight and obese individuals |
| title_fullStr | Experiences of weight stigmatization in the Israeli healthcare system among overweight and obese individuals |
| title_full_unstemmed | Experiences of weight stigmatization in the Israeli healthcare system among overweight and obese individuals |
| title_short | Experiences of weight stigmatization in the Israeli healthcare system among overweight and obese individuals |
| title_sort | experiences of weight stigmatization in the israeli healthcare system among overweight and obese individuals |
| topic | Avoidance of treatment Health communication Weight stigmatization |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13584-022-00518-9 |
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