Naguib Abdel Reheim
University Hospital - Sharjah ,UAE
Title: Weight Awareness among Parents and Health Care Providers in Sharjah, UAE
Biography
Biography: Naguib Abdel Reheim
Abstract
Background:
Overweight/obesity is common in UAE as in many parts in the world. Management of obesity in children is usually not rewarding because of many barriers. Prevention of obesity is therefore of priority importance. Proper weight perception and awareness among parents and health care providers are basic prerequisites to achieve this aim
Objectives:
This study looks at weight perception among parents and health care providers in Sharjah, UAE
Methods:
Retrospective review was done for 1000 patients files aged 2 to 18 years who visited UHS pediatrics OPD during 2015. Purpose of the visit, diagnosis of weight status, documented general and specific weight counseling in cases of overweight/obesity were reviewed. Overweight and obese are defined as > 85th and >95th centiles respectively based on CDC BMI chart
Conclusions:
1-Most of parents in UAE have weight misperception and are unaware of overweight/obesity as a medical disease
2-Many paediatricians also have weight misperception; they care for weight issue only if the patient visit is for weight abnormality, even in cases of obesity.
3-Weight counselling in children with normal weight is not a routine practice among most physicians
4- Weight misperception of parents and physicians can be a significant barrier for obesity prevention programme.
5-Health education of parents and training of physicians for weight counselling for all children visiting OPD is recommended for obesity prevention.
