Understanding Obesity: A Study of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Lesotho's Healthcare Settings: Research Article

Bokang Mahlelehlele; Phiri J Letuka; Masepiriti Takane; Puleng Noka; Ithabeleng Mochekoane

doi:10.58372/2835-6276.1195

Authors

Bokang Mahlelehlele
Phiri J Letuka
Masepiriti Takane
Puleng Noka
Ithabeleng Mochekoane

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58372/2835-6276.1195

Keywords:

obesity, knowledge, attitudes, practices, adults

Abstract

Purpose: The study assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices of adults towards obesity in selected hospitals in Lesotho.

Design: A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study was carried

Methods: Researchers recruited 175 adults in outpatient departments from Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital and St. Joseph Hospital. Questionnaires were used to collect data. The convenience sampling method was used to select respondents. Mean and sample standard deviation scores were computed to determine associations among variables.

Findings: Mean and standard deviation scores revealed significant differences in the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices between respondents from different study settings. Respondents from Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital attained maximum scores in attitudes (M = 79.50, SD = 30.09) and practice (M = 33.80, SD = 15.81), while those from St. Joseph Hospital showed better knowledge scores (M = 72.20, SD = 16.83).

Conclusion: Despite the satisfying knowledge and attitudes scores of adults towards obesity, their level of practice was alarmingly low.

Clinical evidence: Obesity and its problems can be combated with sufficient education, a positive mind-set, and healthy habits. The recommendation is that national campaigns be conducted in rural areas to enhance public awareness and practices around overweight and obesity.

References

Adom, T., De Villiers, A., Puoane, T. and Kengne, A.P., 2021. A scoping review of policies related to the prevention and control of overweight and obesity in Africa. Nutrients, 13(11), p.4028. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13114028

Berteus Forslund, H., Klingström, S., Hagberg, H., Löndahl, M., Torgerson, J.S. and Lindroos, A.K., 2008. Should snacks be recommended in obesity treatment? A 1-year randomized clinical trial. European journal of clinical nutrition, 62(11), pp.1308-1317. doi: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602860. Epub 2007 Aug 15. PMID

Bray, G.A., 2024. Obesity: a 100 year perspective. International Journal of Obesity, pp.1-9. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-024-01530-6

Darling, R. and Atav, A.S., 2019. Attitudes toward obese people: a comparative study of nursing, education, and social work students. Journal of Professional Nursing, 35(2), pp.138-146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2018.07.009

Dongmo, F.F.D., Asongni, W.D., Mba, A.R.F., Etame, R.M.E., Hagbe, D.N., Zongning, G.L.D., Touohou, S.V.N., Sop, M.M.K., Ngane, R.A.N. and Gouado, I., 2023. Knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding obesity among population of urban (Douala) and rural (Manjo) areas in Cameroon. International Journal of Chronic Diseases, 2023(1), p.5616856. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/5616856

Global Nutrition Report. 2022. Country Nutrition Profiles. Available at: https://globalnutritionreport.org/resources/nutrition-profiles/africa/southern-africa/lesotho/. [Accessed on: 3rd May 2023].

Harvard School of Public Health. 2023.Obesity prevention source. Available at: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-trends-original/obesity-ratea-worldwide/ [Accessed: 03rd April 2023].

Melinte, O.E., Robu Popa, D., Dobrin, M.E., Cernomaz, A.T., Grigorescu, C., Nemes, A.F., Gradinaru, A.C., Vicol, C., Todea, D.A., Vulturar, D.M. and Cioroiu, I.B., 2023. Assessment of Some Risk Factors and Biological Predictors in the Post COVID-19 Syndrome in Asthmatic Patients. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 14(1), p.21.

Moorthy, S.B., Subbaiahgari, H., Sibbala, P., Kola, S. and Kareem, L., 2022. Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards obesity among the general public in community settings of Tirupati: a cross-sectional study. https://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/225842

Owobi, O.U., Okonji, O.C., Nzoputam, C.I. and Ekholuenetale, M., 2022. Country-Level Variations in overweight and obesity among Reproductive-Aged women in Sub-Saharan Countries. Women, 2(4), pp.313-325. https://doi.org/10.3390/women2040029

Shahid, R., Naeem, A., Riaz, M.M.A. and Ehsan, S.B., 2020. Knowledge, attitude and practices regarding obesity among medical students in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Annals of Punjab Medical College (APMC), 14(1), pp.50-53. DOI: https://doi.org/10.29054/apmc/2020.560

Winston, G.J., Caesar-Phillips, E., Peterson, J.C., Wells, M.T., Martinez, J., Chen, X., Boutin-Foster, C. and Charlson, M., 2014. Knowledge of the health consequences of obesity among overweight/obese Black and Hispanic adults. Patient education and counseling, 94(1), pp.123-127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2013.09.022

World Health Organisation (WHO), 2021, Obesity and overweight. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheet/obesity-and-overweight. [Accessed: 27 October 2022]