Date of this Version

12-1-2023

Document Type

DNP Project

Abstract

Background: It is reported that obesity accounts for over 40% of adults in the United States in and continues to grow worldwide. A patient is diagnosed with obesity when they have an excess fat accumulation leading to a body mass index (BMI) over 30 kg/m2. It affects almost every system within the body. Obesity places patients at an increased risk for comorbid conditions and can exacerbate existing co-morbidities. This disease not only contributes to an increase rise in medical costs and burdens public health systems but may also have a negatively effect on patient's quality of life.

Objective This quality improvement project (QIP) was to educate patients on obesity and treatment options available.

Methods: This QIP utilized a pre/posttest design. The patients recruited from a primary care practice had their knowledge of obesity assessed before and after a 15-minute educational intervention. Their knowledge was assessed using an author developed survey.

Results: A n=6 patients from a primary care practice agreed to participate in the project, an average age of 50.33 years. Mean knowledge scores increased from baseline when compared to post intervention. A Mann-Whitney U-test to compare the scores results suggested that their knowledge improvements were statistically significant.

Conclusion: For diagnosed obese patients, education does increase their knowledge of obesity and treatment options available to them.

Implications: The increase in knowledge of obesity, should translate into patients making positive changes in decreasing their weight. This should improve, decrease, or eliminate any obesity-related co morbidities and improve their quality of life.

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