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. 2012 Jul;88(1):23-8.
doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2011.12.010. Epub 2012 Jan 11.

Obese patients overestimate physicians' attitudes of respect

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Obese patients overestimate physicians' attitudes of respect

Kimberly A Gudzune et al. Patient Educ Couns. 2012 Jul.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate whether obese patients overestimate or underestimate the level of respect that their physicians hold toward them.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from questionnaires and audio-recordings of visits between primary care physicians and their patients. Using multilevel logistic regression, we evaluated the association between patient BMI and accurate estimation of physician respect. Physician respectfulness was also rated independently by assessing the visit audiotapes.

Results: Thirty-nine primary care physicians and 199 of their patients were included in the analysis. The mean patient BMI was 32.8 kg/m2 (SD 8.2). For each 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI, the odds of overestimating physician respect significantly increased [OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.04-1.68, p=0.02]. Few patients underestimated physician respect. There were no differences in ratings of physician respectfulness by independent evaluators of the audiotapes.

Conclusion: We consider our results preliminary. Patients were significantly more likely to overestimate physician respect as BMI increased, which was not accounted for by increased respectful treatment by the physician.

Practice implications: Among patients who overestimate physician respect, the authenticity of the patient-physician relationship should be questioned.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Coder ratings of physician respectfulness by patient estimation of physician respect
Mean coder rating of physician respectfulness by categories of patient estimation of physician respect was calculated by using multilevel linear regression analyses adjusted for patient age and physician familiarity with the patient. There was no significant difference between the groups.

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