BACKGROUND: Despite New Zealand (NZ) having a high prevalence of overweight and obesity, there is a dearth of evidence relating the beliefs, attitudes, knowledge and practices of general practitioners (GPs) and primary care nurses (PCNs); the very health professionals who will have significant contact with larger bodied adults. The aim of this study was to assess the views of NZ GPs and PCNs towards obesity and obesity management for obese men.
METHODS: An extensive survey using Likert scale questions and space for free text comments was developed and mailed to random samples of 3,200 GPs and PCNs nationally.
RESULTS: The response rate was 42% overall. Over 90% of GPs and PCNs agreed that they had a role in weight management, with approximately 50% considering the prevention and management of weight was prioritised in their work place. The majority agrees that obesity was a chronic disease, which the individual was responsible for. Stereotypical views of large men were evident within a significant minority. General practitioners and PCNs considered they had responsibilities to role model a healthy lifestyle and that their size impacted patient trust. Self-reported knowledge of diet and physical activity for weight loss were high but counselling self-efficacy was notably lower. Responses from both groups indicated that they understood the importance of using a 5As framework to support weight management counselling, but multiple barriers to this were identified. Inter group analyses, as well as, intra-group analyses based on gender and self-reported weight status were conducted.
CONCLUSIONS: This survey identified a similar range of problems associated with obesity management in NZ primary care to those in other countries. Significantly, however, the results irrespective of professional group, gender or weight status showed remarkable consistency.