Perceptions, Attitudes, Behaviours and Barriers in Obesity Care: Findings from the ACTION-Vietnam Study.

Abstract

Objective: The ACTION Asia Pacific (ACTION-APAC) study was designed to identify the perceptions, attitudes, behaviours and potential barriers to effective obesity management in people with obesity (PwO) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) in nine countries of Southeast Asia. This study represents the findings in Vietnam.

Methodology: This cross-sectional, non-interventional study gathered information from Vietnamese PwO (n = 1000) and HCPs (n = 200) via an anonymous online survey between April and May 2022.

Results: The majority of PwO (67%) and HCPs (80%) believed that obesity is a chronic disease that profoundly impacts a person's overall health (76% PwO, 81% HCPs). About 58% of PwO agreed that managing weight loss was solely their responsibility. Meanwhile, 76% of HCPs believed they should actively contribute to their patients' weight loss efforts. Most of the PwO (82.7%) had attempted weight loss with an average of four times. PwO and HCPs cited lack of exercise (63% vs. 86%) and lack of motivation (60% vs. 80%) as the principal barriers to weight loss. HCPs cited PwOs' lack of interest (52%) and motivation to lose weight (45%) as top reasons for not discussing weight.

Conclusion: The study emphasised raising awareness for obesity management among PwO and HCPs and suggested early weight management conversations with HCPs.