Potential barriers to the use of anti‐obesity medications in persons with spinal cord injuries and disorders

Abstract

Abstract Background Anti‐obesity medications (AOMs) may provide a viable option for obesity management. However, little is known about the use of AOMs in persons with SCI/D. Objective Describe health care providers' (HCPs) views about barriers to AOM use in persons living with SCI/D. Methods Descriptive qualitative design using in‐depth interviews Descriptive statistics were used to calculate demographic and employment characteristics. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) six thematic analysis phases. Results HCPs (n = 12) were from 11 different nationwide facilities. Most HCPs were male (75%), a large majority were white (67%), and most were 26–49 years of age. Participants were dietitians (75%), physicians (17%), and psychologists (8%). HCPs ranged from 1.5 to 15 years of providing SCI/D care. HCPs described four main thematic barriers to AOM use in persons with SCI/D: (1) AOM side effects that are especially concerning in persons with SCI/D; (2) AOMs contribute to poor eating habits; (3) availability, accessibility, and administration; and (4) lack of evidence, clinical agreement, and knowledge about AOM use in the SCI/D population. Conclusions There are several potential barriers to AOM use in the SCI/D population. Barriers include AOM side effects which may cause or exacerbate conditions that are already concerns in persons with SCI/D, such as bowel and skin problems, and muscle loss. SCI/D HCPs reported a lack of evidence about AOM use in persons with SCI/D, but interest in obtaining more knowledge.

Keywords

• anti‐obesity medication
• hcp
• obesity
• pharmacotherapy
• qualitative
• spinal cord injury