Wenzhe Hua, Daoping Song, Jinhua Xue, Yang Cao and Daqiao Zhu
Objective: To examine the effects of an integrated intervention program on the knowledge/skills, self-efficacy, and weight management practices among General Practitioners (GPs). Methods: A quasi-experimental (pre-and post-test) design was used. A convenience sample of 118 GPs from two community health services in Shanghai, China was recruited. The interventions included two 100 min training lectures with educational materials, including guidelines, brochures, and posters. Data were collected via self-administered questionnaires to measure knowledge/skills, self-efficacy, and practices regarding weight management at baseline and three-month post-intervention. Results: Overall, the knowledge/skills, self-efficacy, and practices related to obesity management among GPs were improved. There were significant increases in the frequencies of all items describing weight management practice after the intervention (P<0.05). The number of participants who rated themselves at the “high” level of weight management skills/knowledge increased significantly (P<0.05). The scores of self-efficacy increased in eight items, with the total score of the scale were observed to be increased when compared to pre-intervention (P<0.05). Conclusion: The integrated intervention program improved GPs’ knowledge/skills, self-efficacy, and professional practices. Comprehensive and specific strategies based on GPs’ professional behaviors and attitudes are expected to be developed in the future.