Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT3407

Introduction: Lifestyle changes in industrialized societies have contributed to a rising prevalence of childhood obesity (CO). As frontline healthcare providers responsible for screening and family counseling, family physicians (FPs) face increasing challenges in addressing this silent epidemic. This study aims to explore the barriers to optimal CO management among FPs.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical qualitative study using a standardized questionnaire targeting FPs of all practice settings in southern Tunisia during 2024. Data were collected online or through direct interviews. Open-ended questions were assessed using a Likert scale from 0 to 10. The study focused on three main dimensions: CO management, patient adherence to treatment recommendations, and FP satisfaction. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.

Results: We collected 100 responses from FPs with a mean age of 48.5 ± 11 years, predominantly female, with an average of 17.4 ± 11 years of practice experience. The main barriers to CO management were a lack of theoretical training (62%), patients’ socioeconomic status (47%), and workload (30%). These challenges were more pronounced among physicians working in rural areas (P = 0.03) and in public healthcare settings (P = 0.024). Patient adherence to dietary and lifestyle recommendations provided by FPs was estimated at 4.5 ± 1.85/10 on average, with significantly lower adherence in private practice (P = 0.01), rural settings (P = 0.0001), and for dietary recommendations compared to physical activity advice (P = 0.02). Overall, FP satisfaction with CO management was below average (4.55 ± 1.9/10) and was significantly lower among private practitioners and those working in rural or semi-urban areas (P = 0.003 and P = 0.045, respectively).

Conclusion: Our study highlights disparities in CO management depending on the location and sector of FP practice. These differences suggest that access to resources, training, and specialized care networks directly impacts medical practices. The limited adherence of patients to dietary and lifestyle recommendations, particularly in rural areas, underscores the need for a more personalized approach tailored to socioeconomic constraints. Additionally, the low satisfaction among FPs regarding their ability to manage CO may reflect a lack of institutional support and excessive workload, hindering the implementation of effective strategies. These findings advocate for strengthening continuous medical education programs and improving healthcare structures to enhance CO management in primary care settings.