Patient perspectives on access to bariatric surgical care in the Deep South: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery utilization is low despite high obesity prevalence in the Deep South, and access challenges are poorly understood. This study explores patient perspectives on barriers and facilitators to bariatric surgery.

METHODS

This qualitative study enrolled pre- and post-operative bariatric surgery patients at a tertiary hospital. Using the socioecological model of health, semi-structured interview guides were developed. Interviews were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Of 22 participants, the majority were Female (86.4%, n = 19), Black (59.1%, n = 13), lived in urban areas (63.6%, n = 14), and had surgery (72.7%, n = 16). Identified themes included mental health and primary care physician (PCP) role (individual); family and social support (interpersonal); patient education, communication, waiting times, and technology utilization (organizational); support group, transportation, and stigma (community); insurance policy and cost coverage (policy).

CONCLUSIONS

Barriers and facilitators to bariatric surgery existed along all socioecological domains. Community outreach and education are needed to improve bariatric surgery access.