Waist circumference measurement: Knowledge, attitudes and barriers in patients and practitioners in a multi-ethnic population

Abstract

Background. Currently, body mass index (BMI) is widely used to identify health risk due to overweight or obesity. However, waist circumference is considered by many to be a better indicator of health risk than BMI. The primary health care team are ideally suited to screen for people at high risk of glucose intolerance and increased cardiovascular risk using waist circumference measurement (WCM). Objectives. To determine the knowledge and attitudes of patients and primary care practitioners concerning WCM, with particular reference to exploring barriers in a multi-ethnic setting. Methods. A qualitative study using purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis was conduc..