Perceptions of Older Rural Women Using Computerized Programs for Weight Management

Authors

  • Tara Renee O'Brien School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
  • Carolyn Jenkins College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina
  • Elaine Amella College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina
  • Martina Mueller College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina
  • Michael Moore College of Health and Human Services, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
  • Meredith Troutman- Jordan School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
  • Steffanie Sullivan School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v14i2.324

Abstract

Purpose: To explore older rural women’s perceptions of an Internet assisted weight loss program.

Sample: The sample (n = 24) included white women (70%) and black women (30%) age 55 and older recruited from two rural senior centers in the Appalachian region of North Carolina.

Method: A qualitative design was used to explore rural older obese women’s perceptions of an Internet assisted weight loss program using semi-structured interviews.  A total of six focus groups were held with a convenience sample (n=24) of Appalachian adult women (age 55 and older) from two community sites.

Findings: The 24 women gave their perspective on the use of the Internet for weight loss.  Six themes emerged from the two groups were: awareness, use of the Internet, personal relationships, self-image, peer support, and obstacles  

Conclusions: Weight loss is a sensitive subject matter for rural obese older women.  Evidence from this study suggests that rural women lack social support for weight loss.  Nurses may assist women living in rural areas with weight loss through the use of the Internet weight loss social support program in which older obese women can access in the privacy of their own homes.

Keywords: Rural, Technology, Appalachian Region, and Older Adults 

DOI:  http://dx.doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v14i2.324

Author Biographies

  • Tara Renee O'Brien, School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
    Assitant Professor, School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
  • Carolyn Jenkins, College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina
    PhD, RN, DrPH, APRN-BC-ADM, RD, LD, FAAN 
  • Elaine Amella, College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina
    PhD, RN, FAAN 
  • Martina Mueller, College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina
    PhD, RN 
  • Michael Moore, College of Health and Human Services, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
    PhD
  • Meredith Troutman- Jordan, School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
    PhD, RN 
  • Steffanie Sullivan, School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
    MSN, NP-C, RN 

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Published

2014-07-08

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 2 (2014)

Section

Articles

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