title: The Perception of Obese Persons: Cross Cultural Considerations.
abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of obesity in adults. The study sample included 586 participants (body mass index ≥30 kg/m and age ≥18 years). A questionnaire consisting of 22 questions was developed by the researchers in accordance with the literature. A statistically significant difference was found between the description and perception of weight as a threat to health (χ = 57.65; P = .001). The perception of a threat to health was significantly higher in the group that described itself as overweight than other groups, and the group that described itself as having a normal weight had a significantly lower perception of a threat to health than other groups. The most important result of this investigation was that obesity was described by people but there was no awareness of the disease. It is suggested that future studies would increase people's awareness of obesity management.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Medical Science Nursing (Drs Oksel and Gündüzoğlu) and Public Health Nursing (Ms Topçu), Ege University Faculty of Nursing, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey.
authors.forename: Esra
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Oksel
authors.forename: Nazmiye Çray
authors.initials: NÇ
authors.lastname: Gündüzoğlu
authors.forename: Sevcan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Topçu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult