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ERIC Number: EJ1117143
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Weight Matters: Health Educators' Knowledge of Obesity and Attitudes toward People Who Are Obese
DeBarr, Kathy; Pettit, Michele
American Journal of Health Education, v47 n6 p365-372 2016
Background: Weight bias has been documented throughout society among clinicians as well as obese persons. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess Health Educators' professional philosophies, knowledge of obesity, and beliefs in a just world (meaning that people get what they deserve) in relation to their attitudes toward people who are obese. Methods: Members of the Health Education Directory, a national listserv, were solicited to participate as a convenience sample for this study. Participants completed a survey that consisted of (1) an item to assess Health Educators' professional philosophies; (2) items from the Anti-fat Attitudes Scale, the Global Belief in a Just World Scale, and the Obesity Knowledge Scale; and (3) demographic items (i.e., age, sex, educational attainment, and personal weight status). Results: Results revealed that participants embracing the behavior change philosophy scored higher on the Anti-fat Attitudes Scale than participants espousing other philosophies. Those who believed more strongly in a just world were more likely to hold negative attitudes toward obese persons. Discussion: When people feel stigmatized by Health Educators, prevention efforts are compromised. Translation to Health Education Practice: This research provides insights that will enable Health Educators to better serve their overweight and obese clients.
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A