Physician Preparedness for Managing Juvenile Obesity in the MENA Region: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Perceptions, Knowledge, Practices, and Barriers.

This study aimed to evaluate physicians' preparedness to manage juvenile obesity (JO) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region by assessing their attitudes, knowledge, clinical practices, confidence, and perceived barriers. A 38-question cross-sectional survey was created, validated, and distributed in December 2024 across MENA countries using a skip-logic-tailored, bilingual (Arabic/English) online platform. It assessed physicians' attitudes, familiarity with JO-management guidelines and concepts, screening and treatment practices, prior JO-training, confidence, and barriers. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study included 400 physicians (54% female, 57% younger than 35, 65% primary care physicians). 90% considered JO a routine checkup priority. Two-thirds reported no JO-training; half were unfamiliar with JO-management guidelines, and 45-65% were unfamiliar with JO-management concepts. Screening was suboptimal, with 25% relying exclusively on visual assessment. Behavioral therapy (33%) and pharmacologic treatments (17%) were underutilized. Most (73%) reported low to moderate confidence in managing JO. Confidence was significantly associated with guideline awareness and recent JO-training. Guideline awareness was also associated with recent JO-training. Physicians aware of guidelines were more likely to applying evidence-based practices (p < 0.001). Majoy selected barriers included lack of JO-training, institutional limitations, and socio-cultural factors. Physicians in MENA face deficits in JO-training, JO-management guidelines awareness, and systemic support that limit confidence in JO management. Expanding JO-training, disseminating regionally-suitable guidelines, and enhancing institutional support are essential to improving physician preparedness for JO management.