The lived experience of people with obesity: study protocol for a systematic review and synthesis of qualitative studies

Emma Farrell; Marta Bustillo; Carel W le Roux; Joe Nadglowski; Eva Hollmann; Deirdre McGillicuddy

doi:10.1186/s13643-021-01706-5

The lived experience of people with obesity: study protocol for a systematic review and synthesis of qualitative studies

Syst Rev. 2021 Jun 21;10(1):181. doi: 10.1186/s13643-021-01706-5.

Authors

Emma Farrell¹, Marta Bustillo², Carel W le Roux³, Joe Nadglowski⁴, Eva Hollmann⁵, Deirdre McGillicuddy⁵

Affiliations

¹ School of Education, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. emma.farrell@ucd.ie.
² University College Dublin Library, Dublin, Ireland.
³ Diabetes Complications Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
⁴ Obesity Action Coalition, Tampa, USA.
⁵ School of Education, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a prevalent, complex, progressive and relapsing chronic disease characterised by abnormal or excessive body fat that impairs health and quality of life. It affects more than 650 million adults worldwide and is associated with a range of health complications. Qualitative research plays a key role in understanding patient experiences and the factors that facilitate or hinder the effectiveness of health interventions. This review aims to systematically locate, assess and synthesise qualitative studies in order to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the lived experience of people with obesity.

Methods: This is a protocol for a qualitative evidence synthesis of the lived experience of people with obesity. A defined search strategy will be employed in conducting a comprehensive literature search of the following databases: PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, PsycArticles and Dimensions (from 2011 onwards). Qualitative studies focusing on the lived experience of adults with obesity (BMI >30) will be included. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, abstracts and full-text articles and abstract data. The quality of included studies will be appraised using the critical appraisal skills programme (CASP) criteria. Thematic synthesis will be conducted on all of the included studies. Confidence in the review findings will be assessed using GRADE CERQual.

Discussion: The findings from this synthesis will be used to inform the EU Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI)-funded SOPHIA (Stratification of Obesity Phenotypes to Optimize Future Obesity Therapy) study. The objective of SOPHIA is to optimise future obesity treatment and stimulate a new narrative, understanding and vocabulary around obesity as a set of complex and chronic diseases. The findings will also be useful to health care providers and policy makers who seek to understand the experience of those with obesity.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020214560 .

Keywords: Lived experience; Obesity; Obesity treatment; Patient experience; Qualitative.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adult
Delivery of Health Care
Health Personnel*
Humans
Obesity
Qualitative Research
Quality of Life*
Review Literature as Topic
Systematic Reviews as Topic