WIP 37 - Perceptions of Adolescents and Their Guardians on Using Phentermine for Weight Management in New Mexico

Publication Number: WIP 37.7587

Joshua A. Vasquez, Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, Portland, OR, United States; Monique K. Vallabhan, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States; Jessica L. Burch-Zillweger, Mountain Park Health Center, Glendale, AZ, United States; Patricia Roldan, UNMH, Albuquerque, NM, United States; Andrew Sussman, University of New Mexico, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, United States; Alberta Kong, University of New Mexico Children's Hospital, Albuquerque, NM, United States

Background: Adolescent obesity remains a prevalent chronic condition, especially among Hispanic and American Indian populations in the Southwest, who often have limited access to specialized obesity care. Despite the 2023 clinical guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics that recommended a multidisciplinary approach to obesity treatment, barriers such as cost and limited availability of adjunctive medications persist. Phentermine, a low-cost, FDA-approved medication for short-term use in adolescents aged 16 and older, may still be affected by its association with the 1990’s recall of “Fen-Phen,” which may affect its acceptance.

Objective: This study aims to explore the perceptions and concerns of Hispanic and American Indian adolescents and their guardians regarding the use of phentermine for obesity treatment. It seeks to uncover factors that influence their willingness or reluctance to consider pharmacological interventions.

Design/Methods: 5 Hispanic and 5 American Indian adolescent/guardian dyads were recruited from the University of New Mexico pediatric clinic. Two semi-structured interview guides were created, tailored to capture adolescent-specific and guardian-specific viewpoints. Interviews have been professionally transcribed, and data will undergo intercoder reliability analysis using NVivo software. The constructivist grounded theory framework will guide a thematic analysis to generate nuanced insights specific to the adolescent-guardian dyads, using a constant comparison method to maintain context-specific variability.

Data analysis is expected to conclude by December 31st, with results anticipated by February 28th. Preliminary themes include the desire for non-medical intervention, concerns over medication costs and coverage, feelings of lack of control with current weight or child’s weight, apprehension in general with the use of weight loss medications, and varied levels of awareness about Fen-Phen.