Personal health behaviors and physical activity and nutrition counseling by nurse practitioners: An online survey

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Healthy lifestyle counseling improves nutritional intake and participation in exercise, yet the rate of patient counseling varies and clinicians' personal behaviors can influence counseling practices. Purpose: This cross-sectional study evaluated lifestyle counseling by nurse practitioners (NPs) and the relationship between their personal behaviors and patient counseling. Methodology: Practicing NPs (N = 1,220) completed an online survey regarding personal behaviors and counseling for healthy body weight, moderate-vigorous physical activity, muscle strengthening, fruit and vegetable consumption, and dietary protein. Results: The majority reported counseling “usually” or “often” for healthy weight (54%), moderate-vigorous physical activity (53%), and fruits/vegetables (57%), whereas only 44% and 17% reported “usually” or “often” counseling for dietary protein and muscle strengthening. When NPs did not personally engage in the behavior, the odds for counseling were significantly reduced: NPs were 21% less likely to counsel for moderate-vigorous physical activity (odds ratio [OR] = 0.79 [0.65–0.97], p = .026), 27% less likely to counsel for muscle strengthening (OR = 0.73 [0.60–0.90], p = .004), 57% less likely to counsel for fruit/vegetable consumption (OR = 0.43 [0.35–0.54], p < .001), and 72% less likely to counsel for dietary protein (OR = 0.28 [0.18–0.45], p < .001). Personal body mass index did not predict counseling for a healthy weight. Conclusion: Although NPs report regular patient counseling regarding healthy lifestyle behaviors, the odds for counseling are increased approximately 20–75% when they engage in the behaviors themselves. Implications: Promotion of healthy behaviors during professional education may have long-term implications for preventive health counseling.