Predictors of drop-out in overweight and obese outpatients.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the impact on drop-out rates of several baseline clinical characteristics of a sample of overweight and obese outpatients.


METHODS
Retrospective clinical trial.


METHODS
The charts of 383 patients aged 15-82 y attending an outpatient clinic for the treatment of obesity were examined from the first clinical evaluation until 1 y of diet ambulatory treatment.


METHODS
We characterised the participants at baseline on the basis of their somatic characteristics, socioeconomic status, obesity-related diseases and dietary habits. The most significant factors resulting in univariate statistical analysis (waist, body mass index (BMI), full-time job, depressive syndrome, number of obesity-related diseases, daily frequency of fruit consumption) were then examined as independent variables in direct multiple logistic regression with the dependent variable drop-out.


RESULTS
The 1-y drop-out rate was 77.3%. A total of 87 patients completed the follow-up study. The noncompleter patients had slightly lower BMI and waist circumference mean values, and they were further regularly employed in full-time jobs, while the completer patients were principally pensioners and housewives. Drop-outs had a lower number of obesity-related diseases and as a result were less depressed. By the logistic regression, full-time job is the best predictor of premature withdrawal (odds ratio=2.40). Age, gender, anthropometric measurements, lifestyle and dietary habits did not result as significant predictors of drop-out.


CONCLUSIONS
The overweight and obese outpatients at higher risk of ambulatory treatment drop-out are more likely to work full hours, have less obesity-related complications and be less depressed. In our study, the full-time job condition seems to be the strongest predictor of premature withdrawal.
Inelmen
E M
EM
Department of Medical and Surgical Science, Division of Geriatrics, University of Padua, Italy. eminemeral.inelmen@unipd.it
Toffanello
E D
ED
Enzi
G
G
Gasparini
G
G
Miotto
F
F
Sergi
G
G
Busetto
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001824:Body Constitution; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications; D004032:Diet; D004651:Employment; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D012189:Retrospective Studies