Honors Theses and Capstones

Date of Award

Spring 2014

Project Type

Senior Honors Thesis

College or School

CHHS

Department

Nursing

Program or Major

Nursing

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

First Advisor

Joyce Cappiello

Second Advisor

Gene Harkless

Abstract

This paper reports a research study focused on perspective of nurse body size and how it affects confidence in a nurses’ ability to provide education on diet and exercise. The study followed a descriptive method design guided by a cross-sectional survey with quantitative variables. Results show that there is increased confidence in a nurse’s ability to provide education and influence habits regarding diet and exercise when the nurse role models such behaviors. Other findings presented include respondents’ perception of their body mass index versus their actual body mass index, percentage of respondents with health care conditions related to obesity, and percentage of respondents who have received education on diet and exercise from a heath care professional. The results of the study will enhance nursing literature and will benefit registered nurses, advance practice nurses, and nurse educators. It will provide nurses with an increased understanding of how their body size can influence receptiveness to teaching on diet and exercise.

Included in

Nursing Commons

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