Journal CME, January 2023: Health care provider views on the magnitude of overweight/obesity in spinal cord injury and awareness of evidence-based guidance for weight management-Journal Article

Journal Article - Jan 23

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In a study published in PM&R, researchers explored healthcare provider (HCP) perspectives on the magnitude of overweight/obesity in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and their awareness of evidence-based weight management (WM) guidelines. The study involved semistructured interviews with 25 HCPs from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and the Midwest Regional SCI Care System (MRSCICS), and used thematic analysis to identify major themes and subthemes.<br /><br />Findings revealed that 88% of HCPs perceived overweight/obesity as a substantial issue in the SCI population, citing various health-related and functional concerns. Specifically, HCPs noted the association of excess weight with chronic conditions (84%), secondary health issues such as skin and musculoskeletal problems (48%), mobility challenges (60%), equipment incompatibility (28%), and self-care difficulties (24%).<br /><br />However, 76% of HCPs reported lacking awareness of any existing SCI-specific WM information or guidelines, often resorting to general population WM strategies. Furthermore, 44% of HCPs believed that available evidence or guidelines for WM in SCI were insufficient, while 40% were simply unaware of any such resources.<br /><br />Based on these findings, the study concluded that there is a pressing need to enhance the availability and awareness of SCI-specific WM guidelines among healthcare professionals. Such guidelines should address tailored physical activity regimens, nutritional needs, and strategies for managing weight in individuals with varying levels of SCI, possibly improving both immediate and long-term health outcomes for this population. <br /><br />The study highlighted the critical role of proactive dissemination of SCI-specific WM information among interprofessional health care teams to better support individuals with SCI in managing their weight effectively.

Keywords

spinal cord injury

overweight

obesity

weight management

healthcare providers

evidence-based guidelines

Veterans Health Administration

thematic analysis

mobility challenges

nutritional needs