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An Assessment of the Long‐Term Efficacy of an Undergraduate Curriculum‐Embedded Weight Bias Intervention in Practicing Registered Nurses

Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT Background Individuals with obesity often experience weight bias in healthcare, which may negatively impact health outcomes. Weight bias (WB) can be reduced by provider participation in weight bias interventions. This mixed‐methods study investigated the sustainability of reduced WB in those who received a weight bias intervention. Method Registered nurses (RNs) who completed a weight bias intervention during their nursing education and those who did not were recruited to complete an online survey. WB scores and approaches towards caring for patients with obesity were compared. Results Eighty‐four RNs (50 intervention; 34 control) participated. Reduced WB was sustained over 4 and 6 years compared to pre‐intervention scores ( p < 0.001). No significant WB differences were found between the groups ( p = 0.501). Thematic analysis identified three overarching themes: physical care differences , recognition of obesity's causality and controllability, and equal treatment of all patients . Conclusions Weight bias intervention effects were sustained, but non‐intervention nurses had comparable WB scores, indicating multifaceted influences on WB in clinical practice. In order for nurses to provide unbiased care for individuals with obesity, it is important to develop and implement both high‐impact educational interventions that support reduced weight bias and organizational and structural supports in the practice environment.
DOI: 10.1002/osp4.70072
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmacy
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,260
OpenAlex ID: W4409359416
FWCI: 1.013
Cites: 18
Cited by: 1
Related to: 10