Pharmacist Intervention after Bariatric Surgery and Its Association with Dietary Practice, Weight Reduction, and Quality of Life

Abstract

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is increasingly acknowledged as a significant endpoint in research on the effectiveness of bariatric surgery. Aim of the Study: Assessment of the role of pharmacist educational intervention & training in weight reduction, improvement of dietary practice, and enhancement of HRQOL after bariatric surgery. Patient and Method: A randomized comparative interventional study was conducted in Najaf Governorate, Iraq. The Intervention group included 58 patients who received standard care and training educational and support programs. The standard care group included 58 patients who received standard care after bariatric surgery. The required information included age, gender, practice recommended physical activity, cause and type of surgery. In addition to body mass index, dietary practices, and quality of life (assessed by MOOREHEAD-ARDEL score) were assessed at 3 and 6 months after surgery. Results: The reduction of the body mass index was larger in the intervention group than in the standard care group at 3 months and 6 months. The overall total mean MOOREHEAD-ARDEL score was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the standard care group at 6 months, (P<0.001). The mean total scores of dietary practices were significantly higher in the intervention group at 6 months compared to the standard care group at 6 months (P-value<0.001). Conclusion: The pharmacist intervention leads to larger weight reduction, better dietary practice, and better quality of life at six months after surgery.