Childhood obesity prevention: a review of school nurse perceptions and practices

J Spec Pediatr Nurs. 2014 Jul;19(3):198-209. doi: 10.1111/jspn.12071. Epub 2014 Mar 11.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this review is to examine key school nurse perceptions that may promote or deter school nurse involvement in childhood obesity prevention (COP) practices.

Conclusions: Ten research articles were identified through a systematic review of the literature. School nurse participation in COP is inconsistent, and this variation is not well understood. Some variations in COP practices may be explained by differences in self-efficacy, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers.

Practice implications: Efforts are needed to develop and implement interventions and policies to modify those perceptions that may promote school nurse active engagement in COP practices.

Keywords: Childhood obesity; perception; practice; review; school nursing.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pediatric Obesity / prevention & control*
  • Perception
  • School Health Services / organization & administration*
  • School Nursing / methods*
  • School Nursing / organization & administration*
  • Self Efficacy*
  • Sweden
  • United States
  • Young Adult