Aspectos atitudinais da imagem corporal de mulheres em processo pré e pós-cirurgia bariátrica: uma investigação qualitativa

Abstract

Obesity is considered a chronic disease of global scope with epidemic proportions. In recent years, one of the most sought-after treatments for obesity is the bariatric surgery. The study of body image is relevant for both people with obesity in preparation for bariatric surgery and people who have already undergone surgery since the rapid change in body weight can be a determining factor in the construction of their feelings, behaviors, body-related thoughts, and beliefs. The objective of this research was to investigate qualitatively the attitudinal aspects of the body image of women in the process before and after bariatric surgery through online focus groups. The participants were women aged between 21 to 62 years (40.95±12.21), residing in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, diagnosed with obesity, and with an indication for surgery or who had already undergone surgical intervention. A pilot study was carried out to test a specific script named “the moderator’s guide”, to make it more cohesive and consistent with the research objectives. In the main investigation, the participants were arranged into four groups and each group attended in a meeting. The groups were divided by similarity regarding their time of treatment, considering the time of the interview, namely: Group 1) patients in the process preparing for surgery; Group 2) patients who underwent surgery within 12 months; Group 3) patients who underwent surgery between 12 months and 36 months; Group 4) patients who had surgery more than 36 months ago. The meetings were conducted following the moderator’s guide, which contained questions about the meanings of obesity and bariatric surgery as well as feelings, behaviors, thoughts and beliefs involved in surgical treatment, and the sociocultural influence perceived by women on their body image. Moreover, sociodemographic and socioeconomic data of the participants were collected. The meetings were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Bardin’s Content Analysis. The focus groups provided a social space for the participants to establish moments of discussion about attitudes related to body image. As main outcomes, six categories of analysis and interpretation were developed, based on the participant’s speech namely: 1) Conceptualization of obesity by the participants; 2) Feelings about the body; 3) Behaviors and limitations related to the body; 4) Types of thoughts regarding obesity; 5) Beliefs related to the body; and 6) Sociocultural influence on the body. Therefore, investigating the attitudinal aspects of the body image of women in the preparation of bariatric surgery or who have already undergone the surgery brought useful information to unite professionals involved in the treatment and prevention of obesity, support people who live with the disease, and develop public policy with the ultimate goal of reversing the global obesity crisis.