Nursing Care for Individuals With Overweight and Obesity: Contributions of a Remote Specialization Course

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the contributions of a specialization course in qualifying nurses for the prevention and care of individuals with overweight and obesity. Method: an evaluative research employing a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, conducted with 289 nurses enrolled in a distance specialization course focusing on the care of individuals with overweight and obesity. Pre-course (2021) and post-course (2022) questionnaires were administered to assess the outcomes of the training regarding knowledge, practices, and perceptions related to the topic, with results being compared between the two time points. The statistical Mann-Whitney test was applied to compare the means. For qualitative data analysis, content analysis was employed. Results: the majority of participants were female, aged between 30 and 39 years, working in Primary Health Care (PHC), and with a status of statutory civil servants. When comparing the means obtained pre and post-course, the majority showed a statistically significant increase, indicating enhanced knowledge regarding the topic, improved qualification in food and nutritional surveillance practices, individual and collective approach, intersectoral interventions, and implementation of the care pathway. There was an improvement in the perception regarding the adequacy of both individual and team fitness in the care, prevention, and control of overweight and obesity. Conclusion: the specialization course contributed to enhancing nurses' performance in the care of individuals with overweight in primary care settings. There was an acquisition of knowledge, sensitization, and broadening of perspectives regarding disease management. The nurses were equipped with the necessary tools for food and nutritional surveillance practice, utilization of health information systems, and implementation of individual, collective, and intersectoral activities.