DETERMINATION LEVEL OF PREJUDICE AGAINST OBESE PREGNANTS OF NURSING STUDENTS

Aim: This study was conducted due to determination level of prejudice against obese pregnants of nursing students. Method: Students studying in second, third and fourth grade in nursing department of a university between 2016-2017 were included in this descriptive study’s population. The sample was included of 504 students who are volunteer to participate to the study between 2017-2018 spring time. Data was collected by “Questionnaire Form” with 12 items and “GAMS-27 Obesity Prejudice Scale”. Numerical, percentage distribution, mean scores, t test and ANOVA were used for evaluating data by SPSS 22 packaged software. Results: It was found that of the students participated, mean age was 21.61±1.72, 63.1% were girls, 35.1% were studying in fourth grade and 70.2% were fed with homemade food. It was stated that total score of GAMS-27 Obesity Prejudice Scale of the students was 77.15±11.67. It was found a statistically significant difference between mean scores of obesity prejudice scale and defining himself/herself (weak, normal, fat) (p<0.05). It was found no statistically significant difference between grade, economic level, whether having an obese individual in their family/relatives and mean scores of obesity prejudice scale (p>0.05). Conclusions: It was determined in this study that nursing students have prejudice and are prone to prejudice. It may be suggested that it could be taken place the subjects in nursing curriculum towards obesity, prejudice and problems they lead to, before nurses who have an important role to improve the health of both individuals and society get a start