Date of Conferral

2019

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Dr. Robert McWhirt

Abstract

Substantial decreases in physical activity have been observed between early to late adolescence in males and females, with decreases in levels of activity into adulthood. Physical inactivity among young adults leads to medical conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, stroke, ischemic heart disease, falls resulting in hip fractures, and depression later in life. Advanced Nurse Practitioners have a significant impact on the problem of physical inactivity among young adults through education to improve knowledge regarding physical activity participation. The focus of this project was to develop a toolkit on lifestyle modification as a resource for physical education teachers and nurses to increase physical activity participation and to decrease sedentary behaviors among young adults. The project practice question asked whether an evidence-based toolkit would address the identified needs of improving lifestyle diet and physical activity in young adults. Pender’s health promotion model guided the planning and development of the project. The Computer Attitude Questionnaire together with the 3-Day Physical Activity Recall was used during a needs assessment. Feedback from the survey was included in the development of the toolkit. A 5-item survey was given to 5 content experts who evaluated the toolkit. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to obtain a content validity index score of 1.00. Findings show universal agreement about the content of the toolkit as a resource for physical education teachers and school nurses to encourage physical activity participation in young adults. The implications of project findings for positive social change include the potential to increase the involvement of young adults in activities that improve the lives of the individual.

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