Dinusha Rasangi Sondirangala Adicaram
University of Peradeniya, Sri LankaPresentation Title:
A clinical audit on mental health comorbidities and readiness to change among obese patients attending the nutrition clinic, teaching hospital, Peradeniya
Abstract
Obesity is a global epidemic with significant physical and mental health implications. Studies (Gadalla, 2009; Fulton et al., 2022) highlight a bidirectional relationship between obesity and mental health.Additionally, readiness to change, a key factor in successful weight loss (Teixeira et al., 2002), is often influenced by mental health status. There is limited research in Sri Lanka on these areas and this audit addresses this gap to inform more holistic obesity management strategies.
Methodology
Mental health status of 40 obese patients attending the nutrition clinic, Teaching Hospital Peradeniya was assessed using the validated DASS-21 scale measuring depression, anxiety, and stress.Readiness to change was evaluated via a Transtheoretical Model-based questionnaire (stages: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank-order correlation to examine relationships between Body Mass Index(BMI), mental health scores, and motivational stages. Ethical considerations included informed consent and referrals for participants with high distress.
Results
The sample was predominantly female (78.9%), with an age range from 25 to 65 years.Majority revealed no depression (78.9%), anxiety (68.4%), and stress (94.7%) levels. The most common motivational stage was action (42.1%). Positive correlations were found between depression severity and higher motivational stages (maintenance: rs = 0.630). Anxiety and stress also correlated with later stages (action, maintenance). BMI showed weak positive correlations with depression (rs = 0.222), anxiety (rs = 0.289), and stress (rs = 0.102), as well as with motivational readiness (rs = 0.325).
Discussion
Higher depression, anxiety, and stress levels were associated with greater readiness to change, possibly reflecting increased distress motivating behavior modification. Future studies should include larger, diverse samples and longitudinal designs to assess causality. Integrating mental health screening in obesity clinics and tailored counseling to enhance motivation will result in better sustainable outcomes.
Biography
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