Perceptions of nursing students about individuals with obesity problems: Belief, attitude, phobia.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the beliefs, attitudes, and phobias of nursing students about obese individuals.

DESIGN AND METHOD: This descriptive and cross-sectional study involved 658 students from the nursing department of a Turkish university. Data collection tools were the Fat Phobia Scale (FPS), Turkish Attitudes toward the Obese Persons Scale (T-ATOP), and Turkish Beliefs about Obese Persons Scale (T-BAOP).

FINDINGS: Students had moderate levels of fat phobia and attitudes towards obese individuals and they believed obesity is controlled by individuals.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Fat phobic attitudes of nursing students should be prevented and positive beliefs and attitudes should be developed.