Are future doctors ready for the post-pandemic obesity surge? A mixed-methods pilot study

Abstract

Obesity is a global epidemic, posing intricate health dilemmas with wide-reaching ramifications. Despite its rising prevalence, obesity often receives inadequate attention in medical training, which is hypothesized to influence obesity management. The study aimed to evaluate medical students’ readiness in addressing obesity, which is especially relevant in a country with significant high obesity rates. A cross-sectional pilot study was carried out by disseminating a mixed-methods anonymous questionnaire among pre-clinical and clinical students studying at the University of Malta. Quantitative data was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, while qualitative responses were subject to thematic assessment. One hundred and eighty-nine students were recruited, and the majority expressed dissatisfaction with curricular education on obesity, especially clinical students who reported a perceived lack of essential theoretical and practical skills (82.65%, 95% CI [73.69–89.56]). Less pre-clinical students perceived receiving sufficient education on obesity and obesity management students (33.3% and 43.33%, respectively) compared to their clinical counterparts (67.68% and 53.54% respectively), which highlights a potential curriculum gap. Qualitative analysis revealed discontent with teaching methods and demonstrated the need for a more holistic approach to obesity education. This study highlights an urgent need to integrate holistic and comprehensive obesity education within the medical education curriculum that addresses both theoretical understanding and practical skills.