Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT2342

Background: Childhood obesity represents a critical public health challenge in Hungary, with projections indicating that 45% of children aged 7-19 will be classified as overweight or obese by 2035. Although regulatory measures targeting obesogenic factors are essential, the active involvement of pediatricians in managing childhood obesity is equally important. Physician engagement in weight-related discussions is associated with improved weight management outcomes; however, barriers such as communication uncertainty, time constraints, and a lack of structured protocols can limit these efforts. Self-efficacy—physicians’ confidence in their ability to manage obesity-related concerns—plays a critical role in shaping their engagement. Low self-efficacy has been linked to lower adherence to clinical guidelines and diminished engagement in behavioral counseling. Furthermore, implicit weight bias may negatively affect healthcare interactions and outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the perceived self-efficacy of Hungarian pediatricians in addressing childhood overweight and obesity.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was administered to 75 pediatricians from three distinct convenience samples. The 10-item Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale was used to assess self-efficacy levels. Correlations between self-efficacy scores and various factors, including years since graduation, workplace setting, and collaboration with healthcare professionals, were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation and one-way ANOVA.

Results: A modest yet statistically significant positive correlation was observed between perceived self-efficacy and years since graduation (r = 0.249, P = 0.031). No significant difference was found in perceived self-efficacy between workplace types (primary vs. secondary/tertiary care), F(1, 73) = 1.425, P = 0.236. However, significant positive associations were identified between perceived self-efficacy and interprofessional collaboration: pediatricians who consulted district nurses during infant obesity screenings (r = 0.248, P = 0.040) and those who collaborated with school doctors after evaluating overweight children (r = 0.271, P = 0.019) demonstrated higher self-efficacy.

Conclusion: The perceived self-efficacy of Hungarian pediatricians in managing childhood obesity is positively correlated with clinical experience and collaboration with other healthcare providers. These findings underscore the importance of self-efficacy in fostering physician engagement in obesity management and suggest that promoting professional collaboration and addressing communication barriers could enhance pediatricians’ confidence and efficacy in treating childhood obesity.