Perceptions of black women of obesity as a health risk

This article focuses on the exploration and description of perceptions of patients and community nurses of the phenomenon of obesity as well as any potential problems that could be foreseen if health promotion programs were planned for obese people. Whilst the researcher sought to explore patients' perceptions of obesity as a threat to health it was also necessary to obtain similar information from the community nurses who were giving health services to these patients'. The level of knowledge of obesity as a health problem as well as the nurses personal attitude towards the phenomenon of obesity is crucial in the manner and quality of her interventions. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was utilised. Semi-structured interviews were conducted amongst patients and community nurses to collect data regarding perceptions of obesity. Data obtained from patients can be used meaningfully for the planning of health promotion programmes for the obese individuals and families. Some negative and ambivalent statements were also identified as problem areas that need to be worked on. Conclusions drawn from the findings on nurses responses highlighted a number of problem areas which were identified in the cognitive, psychomotor and affective domains of the community nurse as health professional. Certain shortcomings were also identified with the community health structures which may not be supportive to the community nurse, individuals and families with problems of obesity.