Empowering Healthy Lifestyle And Nutrition In Individuals At CKD Risk
Abstract/Description/Artist Statement
Problem & Purpose: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health concern, affecting more than 37 million adults in the United States, with disproportionate impact on racial and ethnic minorities and individuals with low socioeconomic status. African Americans are nearly four times more likely, and Hispanic/Latino individuals 1.3 times more likely, to develop kidney failure compared to White Americans. Despite this burden, prevention strategies are often underutilized in underserved communities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of community-based educational seminars on CKD knowledge, perceived susceptibility, and health-promoting behaviors.
Background & Evidence: Low awareness of CKD risk and limited access to preventive resources contribute to delayed diagnoses and poor outcomes. Guided by the Health Belief Model, this project addressed modifiable factors such as knowledge, perceived barriers, and risk awareness, emphasizing the importance of culturally relevant and accessible interventions delivered at the community level.
Methods & Approach: A causal-comparative design was used with secondary analysis of pre- and post-surveys from adults attending CKD prevention seminars at the Lambert’s Point Community Center in Norfolk, Virginia. Inclusion criteria were age 18 or older, English-speaking, and seminar participation. Validated instruments included the CKD Knowledge Scale, Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II, Perceived Susceptibility Scale, and Barriers to Healthy Weight Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations, and paired t-tests or Wilcoxon tests. All data were de-identified and deemed IRB-exempt.
Outcomes & Impact: Participation in the seminars was associated with increased CKD knowledge, enhanced awareness of risk factors, and improved adoption of health-promoting behaviors such as healthy eating, physical activity, and weight monitoring. Participants also reported greater recognition of family history and personal susceptibility to CKD. These findings highlight the value of advanced practice nurses in leading community-based interventions that reduce health disparities and promote preventive care.
Innovation & Future Direction: This project demonstrates the innovative integration of advanced practice nurses within multidisciplinary teams to deliver preventive education in underserved populations. Future directions include scaling this model to address additional chronic diseases, expanding culturally tailored approaches, incorporating digital health platforms, and informing community-level policy to strengthen preventive care globally.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Kathie Zimbro
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Email
kzimbro@odu.edu
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department
School of Nursing
College/School Affiliation
Ellmer School of Nursing
Student Level Group
Graduate/Professional
Presentation Type
Poster
Empowering Healthy Lifestyle And Nutrition In Individuals At CKD Risk
Problem & Purpose: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health concern, affecting more than 37 million adults in the United States, with disproportionate impact on racial and ethnic minorities and individuals with low socioeconomic status. African Americans are nearly four times more likely, and Hispanic/Latino individuals 1.3 times more likely, to develop kidney failure compared to White Americans. Despite this burden, prevention strategies are often underutilized in underserved communities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of community-based educational seminars on CKD knowledge, perceived susceptibility, and health-promoting behaviors.
Background & Evidence: Low awareness of CKD risk and limited access to preventive resources contribute to delayed diagnoses and poor outcomes. Guided by the Health Belief Model, this project addressed modifiable factors such as knowledge, perceived barriers, and risk awareness, emphasizing the importance of culturally relevant and accessible interventions delivered at the community level.
Methods & Approach: A causal-comparative design was used with secondary analysis of pre- and post-surveys from adults attending CKD prevention seminars at the Lambert’s Point Community Center in Norfolk, Virginia. Inclusion criteria were age 18 or older, English-speaking, and seminar participation. Validated instruments included the CKD Knowledge Scale, Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II, Perceived Susceptibility Scale, and Barriers to Healthy Weight Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations, and paired t-tests or Wilcoxon tests. All data were de-identified and deemed IRB-exempt.
Outcomes & Impact: Participation in the seminars was associated with increased CKD knowledge, enhanced awareness of risk factors, and improved adoption of health-promoting behaviors such as healthy eating, physical activity, and weight monitoring. Participants also reported greater recognition of family history and personal susceptibility to CKD. These findings highlight the value of advanced practice nurses in leading community-based interventions that reduce health disparities and promote preventive care.
Innovation & Future Direction: This project demonstrates the innovative integration of advanced practice nurses within multidisciplinary teams to deliver preventive education in underserved populations. Future directions include scaling this model to address additional chronic diseases, expanding culturally tailored approaches, incorporating digital health platforms, and informing community-level policy to strengthen preventive care globally.