Weight Related Perceptions and Lifestyle Behaviors of Black Nurses in the United States

Abstract

Session presented on Saturday, July 23, 2016: Purpose: The purpose of this descriptive study is to examine weight-related perceptions and lifestyle behaviors of Black nurses living in the United States. Methods: Participants (N=41) were recruited from the graduate and undergraduate nursing program at Kean University. An Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved Consent was obtained from the participants to complete a 13-item questionnaire that assessed their weight perceptions and life style behaviors. Eligibility for this study entailed students who identified as nurses and as Black, communicated in English and were enrolled in the masters or baccalaureate degree program. Data was analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS)software version 20 (for Mac or Windows) Results: Of the 41 participants, 8 were men and 33 were women. The mean BMI for the Women was M=28.64, SD=5.58, and M=26.60, SD=5.58 for the Men. On average, like the general population, the women had the higher mean BMIs compared to the men. As a group 41% perceived their weight as normal. Eighty percent reported that their spouse was pleased with their weight. Seventy percent reported that their spouse did not think they needed to lose weight. There was a negative correlation (r =-. 41, p = .00) between BMI and 'Are you currently exercising'. In other words those who report yes they were exercising also reported a lower BMI. Conclusion: A total of 41 nursing students participated. Of these, eight were men and thirty-three were women. The Mean BMI for the male participants was (M=26.60, SD=5.59) and for the female participants (M=28.64, SD=7.14). Women had a higher BMI compare to the men. As a group, 41% of the sample perceived their weight as normal, however 37% had a BMI 25 or less, 34% were overweight, and 29% were obese. Separated by gender, 61% of the women had a BMI >25, and 62.5% of the men had a BMI >25. Pearson correlation statistics revealed a negative correlation (r= -.41, p=.00) between BMI and the question 'Are you currently exercising?.' Eighty percent reported that their spouse was pleased with their weight. Seventy percent reported that their spouse did not think they need to lose weight. Seventy three percent of the sample reported that they exercise 0-2 hours per week. Sixty eight percent of the participants reported they are currently trying to lose weight or planning to losing weight, but only 14.6% are currently enrolled in a weight reduction program. Twenty-nine percent of the participants reported that they count calories and portion size while 26.8% used the food pyramid in their choices of food selection.