Fysioterapeuters erfarenheter att samtala om övervikt och fetma inom primärvården : En kvalitativ intervjustudie med fysioterapeuter i primärvården

Background: Overweight and obesity are considered multifactorial diseases that have become increasingly prevalent in today's society. These conditions pose long-term health risks and require a holistic approach to treatment. At the same time, individuals with overweight and obesity often face social stigma, which can lead to feelings of shame. Establishing a strong patient-therapist relationship can help physiotherapists address these emotions, utilizing various behavioural medicine theories as a framework for discussions. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore physiotherapists experiences of discussing overweight and obesity with patients in primary care. Method: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted. Six physiotherapists were recruited through a convenience and purposive convenience sampling method. A qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach was applied in the study. Results: The study resulted in three main categories and ten subcategories. The three main categories were "Communicating with the Patient,” "Therapeutic Alliance," and "Social Norms.” Conclusion: The study results, based on social cognitive theory, indicate that the stigma surrounding overweight and obesity creates challenges in communication between the patient and the physiotherapist. Keywords: Stigmatization, Shame, Therapeutic Alliance, Behavioral Medicine, Physiotherapy