title: Implementation of a Participant-Centered Weight Management Program for Older Nurses: A Feasibility Study.
abstract: American nurses (3.06 million) are at high risk for being overweight, as the majority are post-menopausal women (93.3% female; mean age 47). Studies have indicated that more than half of all nurses are either overweight or obese. This fact is of concern because nurses often lead major health promotion efforts. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of a novel participant-centered weight management program (PCWM) among nurses. The participant-centered (P-C) theoretical framework used originated from the field of usability engineering (i.e., user-centered design). Study methods included a single group pre-test/post-test design (baseline, eight weeks, three months) and an intervention consisting of face-to-face education sessions, technology-augmented exercise programs, and an eHealth portal. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in body weight, increased fruit and vegetable consumption, and increased exercise at eight weeks. In our discussion of this study, we note that although the intervention effects decreased at three months, these results are promising, considering that the intervention used was not regimented and relied only on nurses' activation of their planned health behaviors. The major limitation of the study was the small sample size recruited from one large community hospital. Further research is needed to improve the sustainability of the program.
authors.forename: Eun-Shim
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Nahm
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Warren
authors.forename: Erika
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Friedmann
authors.forename: Jeanine
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Debbie
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rouse
authors.forename: Bu
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kyung Park
authors.forename: Kyle W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Quigley
mesh_terms: D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D008875:Middle Aged; D009726:Nurses; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D050177:Overweight / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012648:Self Care