Eating Behaviors and Physical Activity among Registered Nurses in Riverside County

Date

2020-11

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Abstract

Nurses are critical to the United States healthcare system, as there are more than 3.8 million registered nurses. Supporting the well-being of nurses is fundamental since they are frequently in contact with patients and work daily to improve the health of patients. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a relationship between health habits and working as an RN within Riverside County, California. A total of 174 participants completed the Nurses’ Health Survey consisting of 24 questions. Participants were asked demographic questions that included gender, age, ethnic background, height, weight, hospital affiliation, and work setting. A weak positive correlation was found between the number of years of employment as an RN and BMI (rho (148) = .203, p = .014), indicating a significant relationship between the two variables. No significant relationship was found between perceived stress level and fast food consumption (X2 (1) = .068, p = .79). No significant relationship was found between the amount of vigorous physical activity and shift work among RNs working in Riverside County (X2 (1) = .000, p = .99. The results of these findings have public health implications for implementing health-promoting activities for nurses.

Description

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Public Health

Keywords

Public Health, Health Education

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