Current status of bariatric surgery perceptions in Hail region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a chief communal health dilemma that considered an epidemic worldwide including Saudi Arabia, where the preferred method for weight loss is bariatric surgery. The presence of some misconceptions among some people in Saudi society may cause a decrease in the level of making the right decisions and the appropriate way to deal with their weight. Aim: The current study conducted to evaluate the awareness of the adult population in the Hail region as regards to the safety, usefulness, as well as the consequences of bariatric surgery as an option for weight loss. Methodology: A cross sectional web survey administered to include Saudi adults' population older than 15 years of their age in the Hail region, from January to August 2022. Results: A 400 participants from Hail, Saudi Arabia responded to the web survey. With respect to demography, 76% of participants were aged 15-30 years old. Most (61.5%) were male. A 56 (14%) of the participants had a medical history of obesity. Regarding participants' perceptions regarding obesity, factors that aid in weight reduction, and bariatric surgery, it was found that most participants had an intermediate level of awareness. Conclusion: It should shed light on the role of physicians and health educators in informing patients and providing them with the essential details to augment their knowledge and awareness regarding obesity, ways to lose weight and bariatric surgery.