Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/10
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Item Restricted Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of School Nurses Regarding Their Role in Childhood Obesity Prevention in Saudi Private Elementary Schools(ProQuest, 2023) Alharbi, Abdullah; Colin, Jessie M.Background: School age children are expected to have a normal body mass index which is commensurate with their age group. The prevalence of childhood obesity and overweight is increasing in alarming rates in developing countries, with the highest rate in the Middle East region. School nurses’ involvement in childhood obesity prevention practices will benefit children and their families in managing the epidemic of childhood obesity. However, there is no research addressing the role of school nurses in Saudi Arabia in preventing and managing childhood obesity. Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the critical factors that influence school nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding childhood obesity prevention in Saudi private elementary schools. Philosophical Underpinnings: The grounded theory is based within the constructivist paradigm and has philosophical underpinnings of symbolic interactionism and pragmatism. Methods: This study was conducted using Charmaz's constructivist grounded theory approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data from 11 school nurses from private elementary schools in Saudi Arabia. Data from the interviews were analyzed according to Charmaz’s analytical process. Theoretical sampling was used to saturate developed categories. A focus group interview was conducted with three experts in the research topic to confirm the generated theory. Results: A conceptual theoretical framework was developed from the rich data collected from the research participants. Three categories (Struggling, Avoiding, Competing Priorities) and a core category (Lacking Support) emerged to support the basic social process Jumping Hurdles: A Pathway to Professional Growth. Conclusions: The study findings may be used to guide nursing education, practice, research, and health and public policy. The conceptual theoretical framework developed in this study can help in understanding the critical factors influencing school nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding their role on childhood obesity prevention. Understanding these critical factors can help enhancing school nurses’ role in childhood obesity prevention.17 0