Perception of Access to Healthcare of Patients with Obesity in Chile: A Patient Survey
Author(s)
Lenz R1, Hernández K2, Pinto M3, Alvarado P3
1Postgraduate Director, Full Professor Public Health Institute Universidad Andrés Bello, Consultant Lenz Consultores, Santiago, RM, Chile, 2Lenz Consultores, Independencia, RM, Chile, 3Public Affairs IPSOS Institut de Publique Sondage d'Opinion Secteur, Santigo, Chile
Introduction: In Chile, 34.4% of the population suffers from obesity, which is 15 percentage points higher than the OECD average. Despite its prevalence, no structured care for obesity is provided, but only for its comorbidities. Objective: To identify obesity-related patient access barriers within the healthcare system (primary, secondary, and tertiary level). Methods: Self-applied perception survey, of quantitative approach and non-probabilistic quota sampling design. Dimensions were validated by experts (Delphi method). Eligibility criteria: Adults (18 years old or more) and BMI>30. Results: A total sample of 600 respondents was achieved: women (57%), from all socioeconomic stratum (SES), beneficiaries of private (25%) and public insurance (70%), with national representativity. According to survey respondents, 77% of patients were aware of their diagnosis, while 23% do not recognize obesity as a disease, 39% believed that obesity and diabetes are the same condition or failed to identify differences (25% in highest SES versus 54% in lowest SES p-value<0.001). Only 45% of patients received indication of background treatments (lifestyle, diets). Additionally, 49% reported not receiving specific obesity treatments (55% in public insurance p-value<0.001). Of those who were offered treatment, 84% had some difficulty following medical instructions, 26% felt they were not achieving results and discontinued treatment (35% in women p-value<0.001), 33% could not afford the prescribed diet (39% in women p-value=0.01), and 56% believe that the offered treatment does not meet their needs. Regarding to success in the obesity treatments, 32% perceived little successful, and 23% as unsuccessful (31% in women p-value<0.001). Moreover, 36% have felt stigmatized by healthcare professionals’ attitudes towards obesity (45% in women p-value<0.001). Conclusion: There are obesity treatment access barriers within the Chilean healthcare system, and barriers were higher amongst women, public insurance beneficiaries, and low-income patients. Patients report not being advised to obtain treatment and being stigmatized.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2022-05, ISPOR 2022, Washington, DC, USA
Value in Health, Volume 25, Issue 6, S1 (June 2022)
Code
PCR21
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health, Patient-Centered Research, Study Approaches
Topic Subcategory
Patient Behavior and Incentives, Public Health, Stated Preference & Patient Satisfaction, Surveys & Expert Panels
Disease
Diabetes/Endocrine/Metabolic Disorders, No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas, Nutrition