Perceived Barriers to Nutrition Counseling for Obesity Management Among Primary Care Providers

Abstract

Background: Obesity is the leading contributing factor to the development of chronic diseases. Chronic illnesses account for seven of 10 deaths annually and are attributed to 86% of the United States’ health care costs. Modifiable risk factors such as a healthy diet and physical activity can prevent 80% of heart disease, stroke, and type II diabetes; and 40% of cancer. Providing patients with appropriate nutrition counseling for obesity management and prevention can lead to substantial cost savings and an improved quality of life. Primary care providers are in a central position to provide patients with nutrition counseling that targets obesity management. While 94% of physicians recognize that nutrition counseling is necessary, only 14% admit that they feel adequately trained. Purpose: This quality improvement project aimed to assess perceived nutritional counseling competence and any perceived barriers to obesity management among primary care providers at Dynamic Stem Cell, a metropolitan Nevada primary care and specialty care clinic. Methods: Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews with nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, and physicians who possess patient care experience in a primary care setting. Study participants were recruited from Dynamic Stem Cell, a metropolitan Nevada primary care and specialty care clinic. Interviews were recorded and transcribed for rigorous qualitative data analysis. The computer assisted qualitative data analysis software Max QDA was used to facilitate qualitative data analysis.