The impact of patient weight status on healthcare students' attitudes: Two experimental studies in midwifery and dental students

Background

Weight stigma refers to prejudice and discrimination based on body weight. Healthcare professionals often hold negative attitudes towards patients with overweight, which can negatively affect patient care and health outcomes. However, weight stigma is yet to be explored in midwifery and dental students.

Methods

Two online experimental studies using hypothetical patient vignettes were conducted in midwifery (n = 281; Study 1) and dental and non-dental students (n = 528; Study 2). Participants were randomly assigned to view a healthy-weight, overweight or obese patient vignette and then reported their attitudes, predicted time, advice they would provide and beliefs about obesity. Data were analysed using ANOVA and logistic regression.

Results

In Study 1, midwifery students held significantly more stigmatizing attitudes towards patients who were overweight than healthy-weight patients; however, there was no significant difference in attitudes towards patients with obesity. Predicted time spent with patients did not significantly differ as a function of patient weight status. In Study 2, dental and non-dental students reported more stigmatizing attitudes towards overweight and obese patients compared to healthy-weight patients. Predicted time spent with patients did not differ significantly. Dental and non-dental students were more likely to offer lifestyle-related advice to overweight and obese patients. There was no significant relationship between beliefs about obesity and attitudes towards treating patients.

Conclusions

Weight stigma is evident among healthcare students and can affect healthcare advice. Increased awareness of potential biases in midwives and dental students is needed and should form formal training to improve equitable healthcare delivery.