MEDICAL AND SOCIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE WORKERS AND THE QUALITY OF CLINICAL AND CONSULTATIVE ACTIVITIES IN OBESITY PREVENTION

Abstract

Purpose. To assess the level of professional competence of primary health care professionals in the prevention of overweight and obesity and to determine patient satisfaction with the quality of clinical and consultative care. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted in 2024–2025 using a quantitative medical and sociologi- cal design. Data were collected through anonymous standardized questionnaires. The study involved 200 primary health care professionals who were undertaking continuing professional development at the Center for Continuing Professional Development of Zhytomyr Medical Institute. Professional competence was assessed using an author- designed questionnaire covering self-assessment of knowledge and skills, preventive counseling practices, access to educational resources, interdisciplinary interaction, and barriers to professional activity. Patient satisfaction was assessed among 87 respondents using a standardized questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics with the calculation of relative indicators and 95% confidence intervals. Results. Only one third of health care professionals rated their knowledge of obesity prevention as sufficient, and the majority had not received specialized training on this topic. Continuing professional development was irregular despite a high demand for relevant educational programs. Anthropometric measurements predominated in practice, whereas behavioral, psychological, and digital interventions were used to a limited extent. A low level of interdisciplin- ary interaction was identified. According to patient survey results, the overall level of satisfaction with preventive care was mostly moderate, with the lowest scores reported for the motivational component of counseling. Conclusions. Obesity prevention at the primary health care level is characterized by insufficient professional training of personnel, limited use of evidence-based approaches, and inadequate interdisciplinary interaction, which reduces the effectiveness of preventive counseling. The study findings substantiate the need to implement struc- tured continuing professional development programs and to improve the organization of preventive activities.