The Level of Self-Efficacy in Obesity Counselling and its Associated factors Among Primary Care Doctors in East Coast Malaysia

INTRODUCTION: Obesity counselling is imperative in the management of obesity. Hence the self-efficacy of the primary care doctors (PCDs) in obesity counselling influences the outcome. This study investigated the level of self-efficacy in obesity counselling among PCDs and its associated factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a web-based cross-sectional survey involving 156 PCDs working in government health clinics. Participants were selected by simple random sampling and were invited through a letter. Participants then visited the survey website and filled up an online questionnaire. The level of self-efficacy was assessed using the Obesity, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Counselling by Residents (ONPAR) questionnaire. The data was analysed using SPSS software version 22 and presented as mean (SD) or frequency (%). Simple and multiple linear regression analysis were performed. Significant p-value was set at 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The response rate was 79.5%. The mean score for self-efficacy in obesity counselling was 66.9% (10.67) with the lowest mean score was for the "confidence in prescribing a plan for physical activity for someone with arthritic knees". The mean knowledge score was 55.4% (23.9). The level of self-efficacy was associated with knowledge on obesity management guidelines recommendations (p=0.02, 95% CI 0.02, 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: The level of self-efficacy in obesity counselling among government PCDs in East Malaysia was modest. The best predictor of higher self-efficacy in obesity counselling is knowledge of the obesity management guidelines recommendations. A structured training program is needed to improve selfefficacy among primary care doctors.