Defense Date

3-12-2025

Graduation Date

Spring 5-8-2025

Availability

One-year Embargo

Submission Type

dissertation

Degree Name

PhD

Department

Nursing

School

School of Nursing

Committee Chair

Melanie T Turk, PhD, RN, FTNSS

Committee Member

Melissa Kalarchian, PhD

Committee Member

Marilyn Oermann, Ph.D., RN, ANEF, FAAN

Committee Member

Valerie Sabol, Ph.D., MBA, ACNP, GNP, ANEF, FAANP, FAAN

Committee Member

Sean Phelan, PhD

Keywords

weight bias, weight discrimination, intervention, acute care nurse, healthcare provider, obersity

Abstract

Background: As obesity rates continue to rise, a growing number of individuals living with obesity will seek medical care, increasing their exposure to weight-biased healthcare providers. This bias presents a significant risk, as it can lead to compromised care, diminished trust in medical professionals, and ultimately poorer health outcomes. Nurses, as frontline caregivers, must recognize the harmful impact of weight bias and take proactive steps to mitigate its effects. Addressing this bias is essential to ensuring equitable, high-quality care and improving patient outcomes.

Aim: The study explored the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of an intervention for acute care nurses.

Design: Quasi-experimental, controlled, pre-post pilot study with intervention and control group.

Methods: To reduce weight bias among acute care nurses, we implemented a theory-driven, multi-component intervention study with three one-hour sessions via live video conferencing. Sessions included a video, trigger films, small discussion groups, and debriefing. The Anti-fat Attitudes Questionnaire and the Beliefs About Obese Persons scale were administered at baseline and three-months later. The Participant Satisfaction and Feasibility Questionnaire was completed by the intervention group only. The intervention framework consisted of three theories. Multiple hierarchical linear regression was used to examine the differences between the intervention and control groups.

Results: Forty-eight nurses participated in the study. Responses indicated that nurses accepted the approach and small group meetings were feasible. Within the intervention group, after controlling for baseline attitudes and beliefs scores and race, negative weight bias attitudes decreased (beta = -.94, SE = .28, p = .001), and positive weight bias beliefs improved (beta = 5.07, SE = 2.39, p = .039).

Conclusion: Among nurses working in acute care, a theory-driven, weight bias mitigation intervention is feasible, reduced negative attitudes, and improved positive beliefs about people living with obesity.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care: Identifying feasible strategies for mitigating weight bias among nurses, the largest healthcare professions, is essential. Our theory-driven intervention was feasible among acute care nurses and shows preliminary efficacy.

Language

English

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