Relationship among Pro-environmental Attitude, Behavior to Decrease Exposure, Knowledge of Endocrine Disruptors, and Obesity-related Profiles in Nursing Students

Kim, Min A

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was conducted to examine the pro-environmental attitude (actual commitment domain, verbal commitment domain, affect domain), behavior to decreased exposure and knowledge of endocrine disruptors by obesity-related profiles (BMI, body fat percentage, visceral fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass percentage, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio).
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 102 nursing students. Data were collected from November to December, 2015 using self-report questionnaires and physical measurements. Data were analyzed using t-test, Pearson correlation and coefficients with SPSS 18.0.
RESULTS
The study results showed that actual commitment domain of pro-environmental attitude and behavior to decreased exposure level on endocrine disruptors were significantly related to visceral fat percentage. Actual commitment domain of a pro-environmental attitude was significantly related to body fat percentage. Pro-environmental attitude was significantly related to the behavior to decreased exposure level on endocrine disruptors and knowledge thereof.
CONCLUSION
These findings suggest that visceral fat and body fat percentages were significantly related to the actual commitment domain of a pro-environmental attitude. Therefore, a replication study is recommended to understand the connection between endocrine disruptors and obesity. In addition, developing an education program about endocrine disruptors for nursing students is recommended. In particular, a pro-environmental attitude, especially on actual commitment domain, could be involved as an education program.