Training in methods of preventing childhood obesity increases self-efficacy in nurses in child health services: a randomized, controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of training in methods of preventing childhood obesity on self-efficacy (SE) in nurses.


METHODS
In a randomized, controlled trial conducted in child health services in Sweden, nurses in the intervention and control groups of the PRIMROSE prevention trial of childhood obesity were offered a 5-day workshop on dietary and physical activity interventions, and motivational interviewing. Self-efficacy for influencing parents to promote healthy dietary and physical activity behaviors in their children was measured using an 18-item instrument. Difference in SE between groups at post-assessment was analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis.


RESULTS
Compared to control nurses (n = 38), intervention nurses (n = 22) demonstrated higher SE (β = 14.70, P < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
Training in methods of preventing childhood obesity increased SE in nurses. Self-efficacy should be included as a construct in evaluations of clinical training.
Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Electronic address: benjamin.bohman@ki.se.
Benjamin
B
Bohman
Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Ata
A
Ghaderi
Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Finn
F
Rasmussen
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D057566:Self Report; D013548:Sweden
child; diet; obesity; physical activity; prevention and control