ArticleBMJ open2023
Patients' experience of accessing healthcare for obesity in Peninsular Malaysia: a qualitative descriptive study.
Article in BMJ open, 2023. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it, 3 citations in OpenAlex.
- Systematic literature review on the awareness of obesity in adults and children living with obesity, the general public and healthcare professionals.International journal of obesity (2005) · 2025Pooled it
- The landscape of adult obesity in Malaysia: a mapping of evidence and contemporary narrative review.The Lancet regional health. Western Pacific · 2026Review
- Obesity care knowledge and practice among primary care physicians in Klang valley: a cross-sectional study.BMC primary care · 2025Article
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Authors and funding
4 authors at 2 institutions in 2 countries.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectiveTo explore patients' experiences accessing healthcare for obesity and their perceived behaviour changes following the care.
designUsing a descriptive qualitative research approach informed by Levesque's framework of access to healthcare, we conducted phone interviews in the Malaysian language, which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed inductively using a reflexive thematic analysis approach.
settingPrimary care clinics in five states in Peninsular Malaysia.
participantsAdult patients with obesity receiving face-to-face care for obesity from healthcare providers in Peninsular Malaysia.
resultsWe interviewed 22 participants aged 24-62, with the majority being female (77%), Malay (95%), married (73%) and with tertiary education (82%). Most participants attended obesity management services at public primary care clinics. We identified five themes: (1) moving from perceiving the need to seeking obesity care is a non-linear process for patients, (2) providers' words can inspire patients to change, (3) patients' needs and preferences are not adequately addressed in current obesity care, (4) over-focusing on weight by patients and healthcare providers can lead to self-blame and loss of hope for patients and (5) obesity healthcare can have consequences beyond weight loss.
conclusionPatients lack the self-regulatory skills to continue their lifestyle changes and struggle with self-blame and hopelessness. Over-focusing on weight by patients and obesity healthcare increase patients' self-stigmatisation. While provider-initiated weight discussions and engaging and personalised consultation provide the initial step towards weight management, obesity healthcare could be enhanced by behavioural support and patient education on the complexity of obesity. Further considerations could be given to shifting from a weight-centric to a more holistic health-centred approach in obesity healthcare.
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