Health perceptions and obesity awareness of nursing students

J Prof Nurs. 2022 Sep-Oct:42:162-167. doi: 10.1016/j.profnurs.2022.07.001. Epub 2022 Jul 19.

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a chronic disease that is a global problem. Individuals' perceptions of what health and a healthy lifestyle constitute have an important role in preventing obesity.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the relationship between nursing students' health perceptions and obesity awareness.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with nursing students (n = 242) between December 20, 2019 and March 20, 2020 in the XXXXX School of Health. A student information form, health perception scale, and obesity awareness scale were used to collect the data.

Results: The average total score of the obesity awareness scale was 3.14 ± 0.36, and the average total score of the health perception scale was 38.48 ± 6.65.

Conclusions: Overall, the students perceived that health status was more associated with concepts such as chance and destiny. It is recommended that students' health perceptions be improved.

Keywords: Health perception; Nurse; Obesity awareness; Student.

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate*
  • Humans
  • Obesity / prevention & control
  • Schools
  • Students, Nursing*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires