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 9 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.