FACTORS INVOLVED IN ADHERENCE TO OBESITY TREATMENT

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the factors involved in adhesion to obesity treatment. Method: A descriptive research with a qualitative approach performed with 15 people suffering from obesity, who were accompanied along their treatment as an outpatient at an obesity treatment center. Data was coUected by means of semi-structured interviews and the results were analyzed using the thematic analysis technique. Results: Five categories emerged from the narratives of the participants: awareness of the treatment for obesity; adherence factors related to the medical therapy; adherence factors related to psycho-social and economic conditions; influence ofhealth professionals on adherence to the treatment; and influence of the family on adherence to the treatment. The results show that the issue of adherence to treatment is a complex phenomenon, since it involves aspects related to the individual, the disease, the treatment and even to the relationship with the professional and with the family. Conclusion: in view of the fact that factors involved in the adherence are complex, varied and inherent to each person, it is necessary for the multi-professional care to consider the individuaUty of the patients in order to help them face and overcome obstacles.