Work

The acceptability of combined management of comorbid obesity and back pain in a rural population: a mediation analysis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: AIMS: We do not know if patients find the coordinated treatment of comorbid obesity and low back pain acceptable in clinical practice. The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate patient-level interest in a combined back pain and obesity specialty treatment clinic. METHODS: A survey was sent to patients over 18 with a diagnosis of back pain and a BMI over 30 through their electronic medical records. Statistical analysis was carried out to examine the role of weight and pain stigma in mediating beliefs about weight and back pain on interest in a combined clinic. RESULTS: 1290 people responded. Respondents reported moderate levels of experienced stigma relating to pain (9.4 ± 6.6) using the 32-point Stigma Scale for Chronic Illness and obesity (3.5 ± 1.1) using the 6-point Weight Bias Internalization Scale. Respondents expressed a moderate belief that back pain and weight were related (70.8% ± 21.7). Most patients (69.2%) were interested in a joint clinic. CONCLUSIONS: In a target population of patients with obesity and back pain, a combined clinic treatment plan is desirable. These results support the need to explore the feasibility and sustainability of innovative, combined, holistic care clinics to treat people with obesity and back pain.

Source: Pain Management

DOI: 10.1080/17581869.2025.2460961

Authors: Treah Haggerty, Courtney S Pilkerton, Patricia Dekeseredy, Abigail Cowher, Cara L Sedney

Institutions: West Virginia University, West Virginia University Hospitals

Language: English

Topic: Obesity and Health Practices

Subfield: Pharmacy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of General Medical Sciences