Discrimination and Stigma Associated with Obesity : A Comparative Study between Spain and Egypt - Data from the OBESTIGMA study
Sánchez, Enric (Hospital Arnau de Vilanova (Lleida, Catalunya))
Elghazally, Noha M. (Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University)
El-Sallamy, Rania M. (Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University)
Ciudin, Andreea (Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron. Institut de Recerca)
Sánchez-Bao, Ana (Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Ferrol)
Hashish, Mohamed S. (Tanta University (Egipte))
Barakat-Barakat, Hosam (Tanta University (Egipte))
Gutiérrez-Medina, Sonsoles (Hospital Universitario Rey Juan Carlos (Madrid))
Valdés, Nuria (Hospital Universitario de Cruces (Barakaldo, País Basc))
Flores, Lilliam (Hospital Clínic i Provincial de Barcelona)
Marí-Sanchis, Amelia (Hospital Universitario de Navarra)
Goñi, Fernando (Hospital Universitario de Basurto (Bilbao, Biscaia))
Sánchez, Marta (Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín)
Nicolau, Joana (Hospital Universitari Son Llàtzer (Palma de Mallorca, Balears))
Muñoz, Concepción (Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía (Còrdova, Espanya))
Díaz-Trastoy, Olaia (Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Pontevedra)
Cuatrecasas, Guillem (Universitat Oberta de Catalunya)
Cañizares, Silvia (Hospital Clínic i Provincial de Barcelona)
Lecube, Albert (Hospital Arnau de Vilanova (Lleida, Catalunya))

Data:	2024
Resum:	This study explores the under-investigated area of obesity-related discrimination and stigmatization across different countries, specifically comparing Spain (Europe) and Egypt (Middle East). We conducted a cross-sectional observational study involving 2,090 participants from both countries. Participants completed three well-validated questionnaires to assess their attitudes toward obesity, experiences of weight-related stigma, and internalization of weight bias: Antifat Attitudes Scale (AFA), Stigmatizing Situations Inventory (SSI), and Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS). Participants were categorized into four groups based on body mass index (BMI) and history bariatric surgery. Egyptian participants (BMI = 30. 2 ± 6. 7 kg/m 2 [range: 18. 5-69. 0 kg/m 2 ]) showed significantly higher aversion toward obesity, as indicated by higher AFA score, compared to their Spanish counterparts (BMI = 35. 4 ± 10. 1 kg/m 2 [18. 5-71. 9 kg/m 2 ]). In contrast, Spanish participants reported higher levels of weight bias internalization with increasing BMI, while in Egypt, this association was negative. The association of bariatric surgery on stigma reduction also differed between the countries. Multivariate analysis revealed that residing in Egypt was an independent risk factor for higher scores in AFA and WBIS (odds ratio 8. 20 [95% confidence interval: 6. 78-9. 62], p < 0. 001 and odds ratio (OR) 6. 28 [95% CI: 4. 78-7. 78], p < 0. 001, respectively). In contrast, Spaniards experienced more stigmatizing situations than Egyptians (OR -2. 54 [95% CI: 6. 78-9. 62], p < 0. 001). Our study underscores the complex and diverse nature of obesity-related attitudes across cultures. Understanding these cultural differences is crucial for developing effective, culturally sensitive strategies to tackle weight stigma. This research opens avenues for further studies and interventions tailored to cultural contexts.
Drets:	Aquest document està subjecte a una llicència d'ús Creative Commons. Es permet la reproducció total o parcial, la distribució, la comunicació pública de l'obra i la creació d'obres derivades, sempre que no sigui amb finalitats comercials, i sempre que es reconegui l'autoria de l'obra original.
Llengua:	Anglès
Document:	Article ; recerca ; Versió publicada
Matèria:	Bariatric surgery ; Discrimination ; Obesity ; Stigma ; Weight
Publicat a:	Obesity Facts, Vol. 17 (august 2024) , p. 582-592, ISSN 1662-4033

DOI: 10.1159/000540635
PMID: 39116845

11 p, 671.1 KB

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