306019
Comparison of health promoting behaviors of PHNs and critical care RNs
Background: Health promotion is a focus of PHN work with clients, and important to RNs employed in high-stress jobs.
Methodology: Descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative study utilizing the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II). This 52-item survey is comprised of a total score and six subscale scores: health responsibility, physical activity, nutrition, spiritual growth, interpersonal relations, and stress management. Data were collected in two phases; PHN in 2012 and RN in 2013. A non-randomized, convenience sample of PHNs at two public health departments and critical care nurses in two ICUs and the ED of one hospital was invited to participate by email. Survey Monkey® was used to collect demographics and HPLPII.
Results: A total of 109 nurses participated, with 53% female. Mean age for PHNs was 49.1 years, for RNs 36.34 years (t = 5.9, p = .000). A majority of PHNs had a BSN (71%) vs. 48.5% of RNs with an ADN. PHNs had more years of nursing experience (17.6 vs. 6.55 years; t = 7.14, p= .000). PHN sample was more diverse, and a larger number of PHNs characterized themselves as overweight (52% vs. 40%). Total HPLPII mean scores were similar (PHN=2.69 vs. RN=2.68). Health Responsibility subscale was higher for PHNs (2.76 vs. 2.39, t = 2.216, p = .029). Age correlated with Stress Management subscale scores (p = .026).
Conclusions: Despite different job roles/functions, total health promotion scores were similar. More research is needed in this relatively unexplored area.
Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health educationOccupational health and safety
Public health or related nursing
Learning Objectives:
Differentiate between health promotion and disease prevention.
Assess the importance of health promotion in health care reform.
Discuss the areas of study and populations most often associated with health promotion research.
Identify the health-promoting behaviors of PHNs and critical care RNs in this study.
Keyword(s): Health Promotion and Education, Occupational Health and Safety
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been a nurse researcher for almost 30 years, and have regularly presented at APHA and other professional conferences. I have published research and co-author a textbook on public health nursing. I have conducted prior research on PHN workforce issues.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.
Not Answered