Weight Bias in Healthcare Professionals in Buenos Aires City
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31052/1853.1180.v30.n2.45207Keywords:
Weight bias, Primary health care, FatphobiaAbstract
Introduction: Weight bias represents a significant risk to the physical and psychological health of individuals with overweight.
Objective: To explore the presence of attitudes, beliefs, assumptions, and negative judgments related to weight in healthcare professionals in Buenos Aires City (CABA) and their characteristics during the first half of 2023.
Methodology: This descriptive, cross-sectional, multicenter observational study included healthcare professionals from primary care in CABA's public healthcare system during the first half of 2023. A non-probabilistic, snowball sampling method was used. Data collection was carried out using anonymous online questionnaires.
Results: A total of 81 healthcare professionals participated, with 49.3% expressing negative attitudes, beliefs, assumptions, and judgments related to weight. The age range was 30 to 63 years, with 67.5% female participants.
Conclusions: The study highlights the need to address these negative beliefs to improve the quality of healthcare. The role of nutritionists as key educators in fighting inequalities is emphasized, promoting a more inclusive and equitable approach to the care of individuals with overweight. This is crucial to mitigate the impact of weight bias on the health of this population.
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