Villanova

This research evaluates a weight bias reduction program called BRAVE among nursing students to improve attitudes, beliefs, and communication skills related to obesity. The study compares the BRAVE program to a standard obesity lecture SOL using a randomized controlled design with two groups of second- and fourth-year nursing students. The goal is to understand if the BRAVE intervention reduces weight bias and if these changes last over one year, addressing the impact of provider bias on health outcomes for people living with obesity. Participants are assigned to either the BRAVE intervention or the SOL control group in clusters of nursing students. The BRAVE group receives two 30-minute simulation encounters with standardized patients living with obesity, with focused education on communication skills and empathy. The SOL group attends two standard obesity lectures and similar simulation encounters but without communication feedback. Both groups have educational sessions and debriefings, with BRAVE including additional training on motivational interviewing and shared decision making after the second simulation. Throughout the study, participants complete validated questionnaires measuring attitudes, beliefs, and self-efficacy at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year post-intervention. The study tracks changes in clinical communication behaviors and weight sensitivity using multiple scales. The total study duration per participant is one year, with follow-up assessments to measure sustained effects, aiming to improve nursing care and patient satisfaction related to obesity.