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LaVela SL, Berryman K, Kale I, Farkas GJ, Henderson GV, Rosales V, Eisenberg D, Reyes L. Potential barriers to the use of anti-obesity medications in persons with spinal cord injuries and disorders. Obesity science & practice. 2024 Aug 1; 10(4):e784.
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.