P-66 The Knowledge, Practices, and Barriers of Primary Care Physicians towards the Screening and Management of Obesity in Barbados

Methods: Using a census approach, a cross-sectional survey of primary care physicians in Barbados was completed. Of the 115 respondents, 28% were males (n=32) and 72% were females (n=83). An online email survey evaluated sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, practices and barriers encountered in the management of overweight and obese patients. Primary care physicians’ practices were evaluated using the 2013 ACC/AHA/TOS guidelines for adult obesity management. The data was inputted and statistically analyzed using SPSS version 29.

Results: A response rate of 69% was achieved from 115 primary care physicians out of the total 167 physicians who were invited to participate in the survey. Overall, the knowledge score was (m=43.55, SD 6.84). This suggests that primary care physicians have low knowledge levels regarding obesity screening and management guidelines. Using the Spearman’s Rank Order correlation test for analysis, the knowledge score was found to have a statistically significant weak negative correlation with the overall practices offered by primary care physicians (r (115) = -0.261, p <0.01). Poor patient adherence as the primary barrier faced in management was cited by 91% of physicians. Other common barriers identified were limited availability of anti-obesity medications (85%), time constraints (77.5%), lack of training in obesity screening and management (72.5%) and a lack of an effective specialist referral system (72.6%).

Conclusion: Obesity is a multifaceted public health concern that necessitates an innovative multidisciplinary approach. While primary care physicians demonstrated awareness of the barriers encountered in obesity management, they displayed average to low levels of knowledge and practices regarding obesity diagnosis and treatment. To address the existing knowledge gaps, increased medical and educational training is necessary