The aim of this study is to explore weight stigma reduction within nursing care in Australia from nurses’ and higher weight individuals’ perspectives. This exploration will be approached through two phases of data collection, with each phase comprising research questions. Also, in this study, existing strategies to reduce weight stigma in health care will be considered, using the results of the two conducted scoping reviews.
The overall aim of this proposed study is to explore weight stigma reduction within nursing care in Australia from nurses’ and higher weight individuals’ perspectives.
The specific objectives are to:
1. Explore and map the existing strategies to reduce weight stigma in health care, including legislations, guidelines, and education programs, through a scoping review.
2. Explore nurses’ knowledge of and attitudes towards strategies to reduce weight stigma within health care and their perceived barriers and facilitators to implementing strategies to reduce weight stigma in their care.
3. Explore higher weight individuals’ perspectives about utilising strategies to reduce weight stigma in nursing care.
4. Develop recommendations to facilitate the implementation of strategies to reduce weight stigma in nursing care.
Closing Date: 16/07/2026
Ethics Approval Number: 2024-05093-EWENS