Conceptual Model of Weight Management in Overweight and Obese African-American Females.
OBJECTIVE
Weight management of overweight and obese (OWO) African-American females (AAFs) is a poorly defined concept, leading to ineffective treatment of overweight and obesity, prevention of health sequelae, and risk reduction.


METHODS
A conceptual model of the phenomenon of weight management in OWO AAFs was developed through dimensional analysis of the literature. Constructs were identified and sorted into the dimensions of perspective, context, conditions, process, and consequences and integrated into an explanatory matrix.


RESULTS
Through dimensional analysis, weight management in OWO AAFs was characterized as a multidimensional concept, defined from the perspective of weight loss in community-dwelling AAFs. Behaviors associated with weight management are strongly influenced by intrinsic factors and extrinsic conditions, which influence engagement in the processes and consequences of weight management.


CONCLUSIONS
The resulting conceptual model of weight management in OWO AAFs provides a framework for research interventions applicable in a variety of settings.
Suzanne M. Sutton, MSN, RN, is PhD Student, College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC.
Suzanne M
SM
Sutton
Gayenell S. Magwood, PhD, RN, is Associate Professor, College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC.
Gayenell S
GS
Magwood
Lynne S. Nemeth, PhD, RN, FAAN, is Professor, College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC.
Lynne S
LS
Nemeth
Carolyn M. Jenkins, DrPH, MSN, RD, LD, FAAN, is Professor and Ann Darlington Edwards Endowed Chair, College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC.
Carolyn M
CM
Jenkins
D001741:Black or African American / Q000208:ethnology; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology; D019468:Disease Management; D005260:Female; D066296:Grounded Theory; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000208:ethnology / Q000628:therapy*; D050177:Overweight / Q000208:ethnology / Q000628:therapy*; D014481:United States / Q000208:ethnology; D015431:Weight Loss
Cultural diversity; nursing model; public health; women's health