Obesity Management in Primary Health Care: Front-Line Providers’ Experiences and Views

Abstract

As in the rest of the world, obesity in Oman has increased and according to World Health Organization (WHO) data, prevalence of obesity in 2008 and 2016 were 20.9% and 27% respectively. This study explores primary care physicians’ current strategies and management of obesity, attitude and perceptions towards obesity, educational needs, and their views on long-term follow up.
 Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted where practicing family medicine physicians from different governorates were invited to participate in an online questionnaire-based survey. Participant were invited via email and responses were kept anonymous. Responses were collected over three weeks in April 2019 and only responses that met inclusion criteria were analyzed with SPSS v22.
 Results: 77 complete responses met inclusion criteria and female were the majority (67.5%). Half of participants had less than 10 years of experience. Weight and BMI were recorded routinely by two-thirds of participants whereas waist- hip ratio was recorded by only 12%. Weight reduction medications were prescribed by 5.2% and 24% would refer an obese patient to Bariatric center. Main barrier to obesity management and referral was inadequate obesity specialist centers followed by short consultation times. The pathophysiology mechanism of obesity and related hormones was only known by 40.8%. Almost all participants agreed that formal obesity management training should be integrated as part of residency training.
 Conclusion: Despite the significant number of comorbidities related to obesity and its complications, weight, BMI and other anthropometric measures were not routinely performed. Nationally, the rate of referral to bariatric centers for evaluation is low. Boundaries and challenges do exist and need to be addressed. Obesity and weight management need to be integrated as part of Family Physicians Training Program.

Textual Coherence in Al-Saadi's Interpretations From Sūrah Al-Ahqāf to An-Najm: A Rhetorical Study in Light of Text-Linguistic (Textology)

“…A general study by Professor Ibrahim bin Abd Allah al-Sumaeel examined the rhetorical achievements of Al-Saadi (2005) in his interpretation, which was published at the Abd al-Rahman conference on Al-Saadi's (2005) scientific and teaching achievements. The conference was organized for Sharia Studies at Qassim University / College of Sciences and Arts in Unaizah.…”

“…The researcher examined Al-Sheikh's (1972) rhetorical positions, which comprised numerous themes of rhetoric in its three disciplines, demonstrating their functional purpose and the effect such stances had on the recipient. This study is divided into two chapters: the first chapter focuses on the rhetoric of the Holy Qur'an and the Arabic language, while the second chapter examines the habits of the Holy Qur'an as described by Al-Saadi (2005), including generalizations, obsession, and other themes. As a result of the researcher's lack of engagement with the textual coherence tools addressed in this study, the paradox is clear.…”

“…For those who are not constrained by a restrictive interpretation of the situation, their importance may be quite limited. Al-Saadi (2005) is among these translators.…”

“…In this study, the researcher adopted the inductive method, which enables the identification of textual coherence tools mentioned in the interpretation of Al-Saadi (2005) of a single Surah and several Surahs.…”

“…The research will examine the textual coherence tools in the interpretation of Al-Saadi (2005) of the Holy Quran from Surah Al-Ahqaf to Surah Al-Najm, whether a single verse or several verses are based on modern textology, as well as the impact of these tools on clarifying the meaning and removing any confusion that may arise when interpreting the verses.…”