Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Nicoletta Alexander

Abstract

Shift workers with obesity-related comorbidities have reduced health and lifespan. Registered nurses (RNs) are ranked fifth among the most obese professionals in the United States, according to recent studies. Researchers have not examined the relationship between self-efficacy, physical activity, sleep, and 12-hour night shift RNs despite demonstrating that self-efficacy inspires confident health habits in the general population. For this quantitative study, the social cognitive theory was applied to study the interrelationships among the independent variables, sleep self-efficacy, self-efficacy for physical activity, and body mass index (BMI), with multiple dependent demographic variables, quality and quantity of sleep, and the level and quantity of exercise. How much does BMI affect the connection between sleep self-efficacy and the amount and quality of sleep for RNs who work 12-hour shifts? Additionally, can sleep self-efficacy and the shift worked predict the amount and quality of sleep, and can self-efficacy for physical activity and shift worked predict participation in physical activity among RNs? Using a cross-sectional, correlational design, a survey generated valid responses from 266 largely African American RNs. Regression results showed that self-efficacy alone does not ensure compliance with health regimens within this population. Significant negative relationships were discovered between sleep self-efficacy and quality of sleep, exercise self-efficacy and exercise adherence, and exercise self-efficacy and BMI. The insights gained from this investigation can help individuals and organizations promote healthy habits among night shift nurses.

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