Identifying Patient Factors Associated with Bariatric Surgery Program Drop-out

• Published in: Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.) Md.), 2021-12, Vol.29, p.114-114
• Main Authors: Jarrar, Amer, Hardy-Henry, Anne, Kolozsvari, Nicole
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Diabetes; Gastrointestinal surgery; Obesity; Patients; Weight control
• ISSN: 1930-7381; 1930-739X

Background: The study aims to identify patient characteristics associated with bariatric surgery program drop-out at The Ottawa Hospital Bariatric Center of Excellence (TOH-BCoE). Obesity is a rising epidemic. Despite good outcomes in a system that provides universal health care, a small portion of people eligible for bariatric surgery undergo surgery in Canada. Identifying characteristics that are most associated with dropping out of a bariatric surgery program may be a step towards improving access. Methods: Retrospective review of patients who presented to the TOH-BCoE surgical open house from June to December 2018. Patient characteristics were obtained from the patient health history questionnaire. Through chart review patients who did not undergo surgery and patients who underwent surgery were identified. Logistic regression analysis was used to compare patient characteristics of both groups. Results: 252 patients were reviewed, 100 (39.7%) patients didn't undergo surgery,152 (60.3%) patients underwent surgery. Patients who didn't undergo surgery were more likely to be older (48yrs vs. 43yrs; P = 0.0013 ), male (33.0% vs 19.1%; P = 0.0129), unemployed (39.0% vs 21.1%; P = 0.002), have a history of smoking (50.0% vs 34.3%; P = 0.0061), have made less lifestyle or behavioural changes for weight loss (3.5 vs 5.1; P < 0.0001), have more obesity-related comorbidities (2.4 vs 1.8; P = 0.0015), and have diabetes (38.0% vs 23.0%; P = 0.011). No differences were seen in BMI (46.6 vs 47.7; P = 0.2885), Goal percent total body weight loss (38.8% vs 40%; P = 0.3015) or psychiatric history (58.0% vs 63.8%; P = 0.3536). Conclusions: Patients who were older, male, unemployed, underwent less lifestyle or behavioural changes for weight loss, had more obesity-related comorbidities, had diabetes were more likely to drop out of the bariatric surgery program and not receive surgery. This study suggests that despite having a well-developed and accessible bariatric surgery program in the context of universal healthcare, there are disparities in completing a bariatric surgery program.