The findings in this research contribute insights into parental risk factors for early obesity. Recommendations include eliminating prenatal smoking and controlling prepregnancy weight and pregnancy weight gain.
It is well-documented that infants born to smoking mothers weigh less at birth than infants born to nonsmoking mothers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of prenatal smoking on the development of later infant obesity. Evidence suggests prenatally smoke-exposed infants catch up in weight by age 6 months, although results of this accelerated growth are inconsistent across the body of research literature. In this descriptive study of 630 infants, catch-up growth rate continued and smoke-affected infants were more likely to be obese than their nonsmoke-affected counterparts from age 6 to 14 months. The findings of this study provide insight about the potential effects of maternal prenatal smoking on the risk of early obesity. This paper also discusses the importance of assisting mothers to cease smoking while pregnant.
The purpose of this project was to increase the number of students participating in public health nursing experiences at Vermont Department of Health through creation of a mentoring partnership model. The model targeted preceptor needs, including roles and responsibilities when working with students; educational needs of faculty, particularly related to evolving roles of public health nurses; and creation of additional clinical opportunities for students. Outcomes included improved working relationships among students, faculty, and public health mentors as measured by narrative evaluative comments of project participants; a 150% increase in the number of students participating in public health nursing clinical experiences; expanded involvement of Vermont Department of Health district offices and central office, with the addition of two new clinical sites and increased numbers of students in sites used prior to this project. Guidelines for preceptors working with students were also developed.
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