Obesity Health Education Integrated Into Current Work Roles of Health Education Specialists

Authors

  • Lisa G. Yazel-Smith
  • Charity A. Bishop
  • Candace L. Ayars

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2020.238

Keywords:

obesity, willingness, health education specialists

Abstract

Health education specialists (HES) can reduce obesity burden within the public and healthcare systems. This study examined HES’ obesity knowledge and attitudes toward obesity with their willingness to integrate obesity health education (HE) into current work roles. A sample of 1297 completed the survey. No relationships were found between respondents’ obesity knowledge and willingness, nor between bias and willingness, while 90% were willing to integrate obesity HE into current work roles. Additional results show age, years in practice, and currently working in obesity predicted willingness. Health education specialists are willing to integrate obesity health education regardless of knowledge or biases.

Author Biographies

Lisa G. Yazel-Smith

Lisa G. Yazel-Smith, EdD, Indiana University School of Medicine, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, 410 W. 10th Street, Suite 2000A, Indianapolis, IN 46202

Charity A. Bishop

Charity A. Bishop, MA, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health

Candace L. Ayars

Candace L. Ayars, PhD, A.T. Still University College of Graduate Health Studies

Published

2020-12-31

How to Cite

Yazel-Smith, L. G., Bishop, C. A., & Ayars, C. L. (2020). Obesity Health Education Integrated Into Current Work Roles of Health Education Specialists. American Journal of Health Studies, 35(3). https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2020.238