Effects of Family Influences on the Patient Planning to Undergo Bariatric Surgery

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Kelsey Sloan (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: "Background: Obesity is a health issue with more than one-third of adults in the United States being considered obese (Odgen , Carroll , Fryar , & Flegal , 2015). Obesity can cause serious health problems such as diabetes but having bariatric surgery can remit the condition. Despite the known benefits , some wait many years before deciding to have surgery (Roberson Neil , Pories & Rose , 2016). Since many rely on family for decision-making the purpose of this study was to determine what influence a patient's family has on the decision to choose bariatric surgery. Methodology: For this qualitative descriptive study , a secondary analysis of previously collected de-identified interview data was conducted. There were 24 participants who were interviewed during an appointment at the bariatric surgery clinic where they decided to undergo bariatric surgery. Data Analysis: The researcher and the mentor read the transcripts literally , first to gain a flavor of the conversations and then to mark comments thought to be related to family influence on surgery decisions. After individual review , the two met to organize the data. Lastly , there was consensus and the themes finalized. Results: Four main themes of influence were identified. Participants were influenced by their desire to improve quality of life with their family and to be a role model for their children. One said , ""I want to be there for my kids."" There was a prevalence of family/marital factors that could be positive or negative influences and were often described as a family member previously against , but now supporting surgery. Finally there was motivating influence from successful other contacts that had had bariatric surgery. Conclusion: There is a considerable difference in the number of obese patients who are eligible to undergo bariatric surgery and the number who actually undergo the surgery. For this sample , family could influence the decision to choose surgery when the patient wanted to improve quality of life , be a healthy example for children and when the family supported the patient , encouraging their success. The influence of others who had bariatric surgery was noted and should not be discounted. Including the family and significant others in the patient pre-operative counseling may be helpful and may aid the nurse's ability to create an individualized care plan for the patient and their family."

Additional Information

Publication

Thesis

Language: English

Date: 2018

Keywords

decision-making, bariatric surgery, family support, obesity, perioperative nursing

Subjects

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