MOTIVATIONAL DRIVERS FOR MINI-GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY: PERSPECTIVES FROM EGYPTIAN INDIVIDUALS

Abstract Background: Obesity is a serious public health concern that significantly reduces life expectancy and impairs quality of life. Until now, bariatric surgery is the most effective and long-lasting treatment both for managing of obesity and curing associated comorbidities. Mini-gastric bypass (MGB) is a common, simple, safe, reversible and effective procedure for treating morbid obesity. As yet, there is limited qualitative research that focuses on motivation of obese individuals to undergo MGB in Egypt. Such data is valuable for capturing patients’ perspectives. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to explore the motivational drivers that influence Egyptian individuals to undergo mini-gastric bypass surgery with a focus on understanding their personal, cultural and health-related perspectives. Methods: An interpretative phenomenological descriptive qualitative design was adopted using a purposive maximum variation sampling. Data were collected through four tools: (a) a Personal and Medical Background Data Form, (b) a semi-structured, face-to-face, open-ended interview guide, (c) voice recorder and (d) descriptive field notes. The data collection process extended over ten months until data saturation was attained. In total, 45 interviews were conducted, yielding 31 hours of recorded material. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s (1978) phenomenological method and trustworthiness was ensured through rigorous qualitative research standards. Results: Twenty participants were included in the study, most of whom were female (55%). Prior to surgery, 90% had morbid obesity, with a mean BMI of 52 ± 9. Analysis revealed six, core and overlapping themes capturing the triggering motivators; they are: (1) deteriorated health status, (2) discontent with appearance and clothing constraints, (3) restricted physical ability and mobility, (4) loss of control over eating, (5) psychosocial distress and stigmatization and (6) despair following repeated failed weight-loss attempts. Conclusion: The motivators for undergoing mini-gastric bypass surgery among Egyptian individuals were multifactorial, with health issues, particularly associated co-morbidities as diabetes, hypertension…etc., pain and fatigue, emerging as the dominant drivers, reinforced by psychosocial distress, loss of control over eating and repeated failed weight-loss attempts, which ultimately led them to view surgery as the only option for restoring health and quality of life.