TY - JOUR
T1 - Public Views on Obesity, Bariatric Surgery, and Bariatric Surgery Patients
T2 - A Cross-Sectional Survey Study in the Netherlands, France and the United Kingdom
AU - Garcia, Franshelis K.
AU - Mulder, Bob C.
AU - Hazebroek, Eric J.
AU - Koelen, Maria A.
AU - Verkooijen, Kirsten T.
PY - 2024
Y1 - 2024
N2 - Bariatric surgery is globally stigmatized. There’s a lack of international comparative research on public perceptions of this procedure, and existing studies often overlook public perceptions of individuals undergoing it. Our cross-sectional survey investigated attitudes toward obesity, bariatric surgery, and individuals undergoing it in the Netherlands, France, and the United Kingdom. Of 1807 respondents, the UK displayed more negative attitudes, possibly due to differing beliefs on personal responsibility or national perspectives on obesity treatment. Surprisingly, respondents had positive attitudes toward bariatric surgery patients despite prevailing negative attitudes toward obesity. Perceptions of personal responsibility significantly impacted attitudes toward these patients. Our study challenges the idea of universally negative attitudes toward bariatric surgery and its patients, underlining the importance of understanding these differences to tackle stigma. Further research on cultural, social, and individual influences is essential.
AB - Bariatric surgery is globally stigmatized. There’s a lack of international comparative research on public perceptions of this procedure, and existing studies often overlook public perceptions of individuals undergoing it. Our cross-sectional survey investigated attitudes toward obesity, bariatric surgery, and individuals undergoing it in the Netherlands, France, and the United Kingdom. Of 1807 respondents, the UK displayed more negative attitudes, possibly due to differing beliefs on personal responsibility or national perspectives on obesity treatment. Surprisingly, respondents had positive attitudes toward bariatric surgery patients despite prevailing negative attitudes toward obesity. Perceptions of personal responsibility significantly impacted attitudes toward these patients. Our study challenges the idea of universally negative attitudes toward bariatric surgery and its patients, underlining the importance of understanding these differences to tackle stigma. Further research on cultural, social, and individual influences is essential.
KW - bariatric surgery stigma
KW - cross-country comparison
KW - cross-sectional survey
KW - France
KW - Netherlands
KW - public perceptions
KW - United Kingdom
U2 - 10.1177/10693971241275211
DO - 10.1177/10693971241275211
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85201665404
SN - 1069-3971
VL - 58
SP - 495
EP - 525
JO - Cross-Cultural Research
JF - Cross-Cultural Research
IS - 5
ER -