Exploring Iranian obese women's perceptions of barriers to and facilitators of self-management of obesity: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Despite the clinical importance of self-management for obesity, poor compliance or noncompliance with the treatment regimen is a prevalent and persistent problem concerning people with obesity. AIMS: The aim of this study was to explore Iranian obese women's perceptions regarding the barriers to and facilitators of self-management of obesity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this qualitative study, the participants were selected through purposeful sampling and the data were collected using semistructured interviews and focus groups between July 2017 and September 2018. Nineteen participants between the age range of 28–50 years and mean age of 38.56 years were interviewed. A focus group with seven participants was conducted to reach data saturation. All the interviews and the focus group were transcribed verbatim and the data were analyzed using constant comparative method. RESULTS: The perceived barriers to obese women's self-management for obesity were identified and classified into four main categories: (I) restrictions, (II) the pressures of being in the group, (III (temptation, (IV) resonators. In addition, seven main categories emerged as facilitators of obese women's self-management for obesity: (I) achieving self-awareness, (II) positive consequences for weight loss success, (III) positive outcomes of exercise and physical activity, (IV) peers experience, (V) correct and logical program, (VI) autonomy and empowerment, and (VII) having supporting umbrella. CONCLUSION: This qualitative research provided a range of facilitators and barriers to self-management of obesity perceived by an obese woman to improve our understanding of the complex nature of self-management of obesity. Healthcare providers may consider this issue while designing and implementing appropriate interventions to upgrades woman's ability for self-management of obesity.