Knowledge and perception of bariatric surgery among physicians at King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background: Bariatric surgeries were among the common solutions provided by nutritionists and physicians to avoid obesity complications, especially among chronic diseases patients. Aim: The present study aimed at identifying the level of perception among physicians working in King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC) about the role of bariatric surgery in managing obesity and at identifying factors influencing referral patterns. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was administered over a sample of 127 physicians from King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC) in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. The study questionnaire consisted of 27 questions designed to explore the perceptions toward treating and managing of bariatric patients, total knowledge about benefits of bariatric surgery. Results: The findings of the study revealed that 70% (n=89) had an access to suitable resources and equipment to manage morbid obese patients. The findings indicated that 67.7% (n= 86) of the recruited physicians had adequate level of knowledge regarding whom to contact when encountering difficulties related to the management of morbid obese patients. In the second rank were the causes related to poor of awareness about procedures or benefits, concerns with follow up, and psychological issues (21.4%, n=6). The Univariate analysis showed that 5.7 times likelihood to refer patients to bariatric surgery among physicians aged 36 to 45 years (OR: 5.7, CI: 0.655-49.577, P=0.118). Conclusion: The study concluded that there is an adequate level of knowledge and positive perceptions of physicians regarding bariatric surgery. Nevertheless, the poor resources and poor awareness were main barriers for non-referral to bariatric surgery.