Associations between Procedural Fairness in Physician Communication and Lifestyle Behaviors in Patients with Obesity

• DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/7seu5
• Publication Date: 2021-09-09T00:29:06Z
• Authors: Sandra Wittleder; Clare Viglione; Alia Dixon; Zufarna Jagmohan; Tilman Reinelt; Judith Wylie-Rosett; Stephanie L. Orstad; Jeannette M. Beasley; Binhuan Wang; Melanie Jay
• Keywords: Self-Efficacy; Weight management; Cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo investigate how patient perception of procedural fairness in primary care physician communication among diverse patients with obesity is associated the patient’s willingness to follow recommendations, self-efficacy beliefs, and lifestyle behaviors. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional, secondary data analysis 484 (43.6% Black, 40.7% Hispanic/Latino, 56.4% Female, Mage=50 years) BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 enrolled weight management study two New York City healthcare systems. To evaluate direct indirect associations between PF outcome variables, we used ordinary least squares path analyses bootstrapping procedures controlling for age gender. Results Patients who perceived their as fairer reported higher recommendations dietary self-efficacy, which were healthier behaviors (willingness: indirect=.08, SE=.03; 95% CI[.04 .14]; self-efficacy: indirect=.03, SE=.01; CI[.01 .05]). Higher was also exercise increased physical activity (indirect=.03, .05]).ConclusionPF via beliefs. holds promise novel target enhance patient-physician related care.