Barriers to Weight Management among Emirati Women: A Qualitative Investigation of Health Professionals' Perspectives

• DOI: 10.2190/iq.29.2.d
• Publication Date: 2009-06-23T01:05:55Z
• Authors: Habiba I. Ali; Roos M. Bernsen; Latifa M. Baynouna
• Keywords: Weight management; Qualitative property

Obesity and associated chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes are highly prevalent in the United Arab Emirates. This qualitative study explored weight management barriers for Emirati women strategies that can facilitate their efforts. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 29 primary health care physicians, dietitians, nurses Al Ain Abu Dhabi medical districts. A modified grounded theory was used to guide data collection analysis. Interview notes analyzed thematically inductively using NVivo software. The three main emerging themes barriers, motivators, suggestions. number personal, system-related, social physical identified. Participants' suggestions included: awareness programs, policies support lifestyle changes, provision necessary resources. They recommended peer culturally-acceptable programs provide holistic approach obesity prevention management. has useful applications development community-based interventions overweight among