Obesity surgery · 2026
Patient Perceptions and Barriers to Metabolic Bariatric Surgery Among Adults with Obesity in the West Bank, Palestine: A Cross-Sectional Study.
СтатьяНазвание и аннотация: Перевод в очереди
Обработка статьи · этапы, ошибки и управление
Загрузка состояния…
Ошибки и ограничения
История · было → стало
Состояние обновляется каждые 5 секунд, пока блок открыт. Процент показывается только там, где известен объём работы. Пауза останавливает продолжение этапа; текущий запрос к источнику может завершиться.
Aqtam Ibrahim, Mansor Khulud, Dwikat Sara, Mousa Lina, Al-Najjar Mai, Saabneh Aseel
Аннотация
BACKGROUND: Metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) is the most effective intervention for improving associated medical problems. However, patient misconceptions, knowledge gaps, and attitudinal barriers may influence acceptance, even among eligible individuals. In Palestine, where obesity exceeds one-third of adults, evidence regarding patient perceptions of MBS remains limited. This study assessed perceptions and barriers to MBS among adults with obesity in the West Bank.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults (N = 424) with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² across eleven West Bank governorates (February-March 2026). Participants completed a validated Arabic questionnaire assessing sociodemographics, obesity history, knowledge (14 items), and attitudes (11 items, 5-point Likert). Regression analyses identified factors associated with knowledge and attitudes (p < 0.05).
RESULTS: Mean age was 32.8 ± 12.9 years and mean BMI was 35.6 ± 5.2 kg/m². Overall, 76.9% demonstrated adequate knowledge (mean score 10.5 ± 2.5/14); attitudes were moderately positive (35.1 ± 8.1/55). Misconceptions persisted regarding diabetes remission (63.4%) and long-term weight-loss durability (66.7%). Fear of complications (63.2%), cost (60.1%), and social stigma (49.5%) were the principal barriers. Postgraduate education independently associated with adequate knowledge (AOR = 3.49, 95% CI 1.03-11.82); greater knowledge and previous non-surgical attempts associated with favorable attitudes. The model explained minimal attitude variance (adjusted R²=0.018), indicating unmeasured psychosocial determinants.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite adequate knowledge and moderately positive attitudes, important misconceptions and barriers persisted regarding metabolic benefits, long-term outcomes, and financial/social concerns. These potentially modifiable barriers may impede MBS acceptance. Targeted education, multidisciplinary counseling, and strategies addressing financial/social barriers may improve informed decision-making and facilitate access to bariatric care in Palestine and similar settings. The predominance of female participants (72.9%) should be considered when generalizing findings to men.
KEY POINTS: • Most participants had adequate MBS knowledge, but some knowledge gaps remained. • Fear, financial burden, and social stigma were major barriers to MBS. • Knowledge showed only a weak correlation with attitudes toward MBS. • Targeted education and counseling may support informed MBS decision-making.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults (N = 424) with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² across eleven West Bank governorates (February-March 2026). Participants completed a validated Arabic questionnaire assessing sociodemographics, obesity history, knowledge (14 items), and attitudes (11 items, 5-point Likert). Regression analyses identified factors associated with knowledge and attitudes (p < 0.05).
RESULTS: Mean age was 32.8 ± 12.9 years and mean BMI was 35.6 ± 5.2 kg/m². Overall, 76.9% demonstrated adequate knowledge (mean score 10.5 ± 2.5/14); attitudes were moderately positive (35.1 ± 8.1/55). Misconceptions persisted regarding diabetes remission (63.4%) and long-term weight-loss durability (66.7%). Fear of complications (63.2%), cost (60.1%), and social stigma (49.5%) were the principal barriers. Postgraduate education independently associated with adequate knowledge (AOR = 3.49, 95% CI 1.03-11.82); greater knowledge and previous non-surgical attempts associated with favorable attitudes. The model explained minimal attitude variance (adjusted R²=0.018), indicating unmeasured psychosocial determinants.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite adequate knowledge and moderately positive attitudes, important misconceptions and barriers persisted regarding metabolic benefits, long-term outcomes, and financial/social concerns. These potentially modifiable barriers may impede MBS acceptance. Targeted education, multidisciplinary counseling, and strategies addressing financial/social barriers may improve informed decision-making and facilitate access to bariatric care in Palestine and similar settings. The predominance of female participants (72.9%) should be considered when generalizing findings to men.
KEY POINTS: • Most participants had adequate MBS knowledge, but some knowledge gaps remained. • Fear, financial burden, and social stigma were major barriers to MBS. • Knowledge showed only a weak correlation with attitudes toward MBS. • Targeted education and counseling may support informed MBS decision-making.