The Reasons for Consuming Fast Food - Essay Example

Research Report Assignment 2 Introduction Fast foods encompass a convenient and affordable set of food offerings which are often termed as convenience food as they are easy to prepare and are economical as well. However, fast food is identified to possess low nutritional value, low calorie and high fat along with excessive sodium. Consequently, fast food is often determined to be the cause of several health related problems that include obesity, overweight, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Diabetes is an ever-alarming health issue in the modern day purview associated with the intake of large amount of fast food. It is conceived as a medium of developing resistance towards insulin, which might increase the chances related to developing diabetes (Lee, 2014). The objectives of the proposed research will be as follows: To determine the reasons for consuming fast food To determine the health hazards related to the intake of fast food To determine the adverse effect of fast food towards increasing the risk of diabetes In this regard, the proposed research will be conducted with the intention of assessing the risk that fast food has towards increasing the chances of developing diabetes in the present day context. Problem and Problem Statement In the present day perspective, it has been recognized that people are more attracted towards fast food as it is a convenient and economical way of quenching hunger. In this respect, the present generation of adolescents is recognized to be the ones to be positively attracted to fast food. The modern day individuals consume fast food in an immense manner due to various factors which include convenience, inexpensive and delicious. Additionally, consumption of fast food has become a popular trend amid a major percentage of individuals (Paeratakul et al., 2003). Fast food is conceived as a package of food consisting of high calorie and low-level nutrients. Correspondingly, fast or junk food is accountable for several health risks, which include coronary heart disease and diabetes among others (UMN, 2012). Subsequently, the proposed research study will be conducted with the objective of identifying the procedures based on which the chances of diabetes increase from sustained intake of fast food. Significance of the Problem This particular proposed research study will be conducted to ascertain the health risks associated with the consumption of fast food. Moreover, the proposed study will also assist in determining the importance and procedure for causing diabetes amid the present generation population. In this regard, examination concerning health risks of diabetes associated with consumption of fast food will assist nurses in possessing adequate knowledge about the causes accountable for diabetes. Search Terms The key search terms for this proposed study include fast food, health hazards and diabetes. Additionally, the proposed study will aid in determining the association that exist amid these search terms. Summary of Two Literature Review Articles The modern day individuals especially adolescents along with young adults are perceived to be under health risks due to increased intake of fast food (Davis & Carpenter, 2009). According to Davis & Carpenter (2009), largely young adults along with children consume fast food. Additionally, the marketing activities in relation to fast food have increased significantly due to its demand amid the present population. Consumption of fast food has augmented considerably amid individuals ranging from 2 to 18 years old. Additionally, Davis & Carpenter (2009) have stated that there is a relationship among fast food and health problems that are acquired by the present generation (Davis & Carpenter 2009). The study of Grier et al. (2007) has exemplified that fast food is one of the major causes of public health hazards. The fast food market has augmented due to increased marketing along with promotional activities. Fast food is marketed as a low cost, taste along with convenience food product. In this US, increased consumption of fast food is determined to be a major factor responsible for obesity, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes among others. The health hazards in relation to consumption of fast food are mainly identified in young adults and adolescents (Grier et al., 2007). Gaps in the Literature Related To the Problem From the literature review conducted, it has been recognized that there is a gap in determining the importance of promotional and marketing strategies as an important source of increasing fast food consumption. Research Question The research question for the proposed study will be How Fast Food Heightens Risk of Diabetes amid the Modern Day Individuals? Research Approach and Design In this proposed research, the mixed approach will be adopted with the objective of ensuring that the findings are comprehensive and precise. The analysis of the collected data through qualitative as well as quantitative approach will aid in obtaining better perspectives of the adverse effect of fast food towards increased incidence of diabetes. Additionally, the analysis will also aid in ascertaining the procedures based on which fast food leads to diabetes (Johnson & Onwuegbuzie, 2004). The mixed approach will assist in analyzing the study comprising both qualitative as well as quantitative approach. Respectively, the findings will provide adequate important information about the relationship between diabetes and fast food consumption. However, there are certain shortcomings associated with mixed approach that include its time consuming nature, complexities and alignment of the two methods appropriately (The University of South Alabama, 2014). In this proposed study, a specific research design will be followed with the aim of ensuring that the study is conducted in a systematic manner. In this regard, a research question will be formulated and in the next step, a review of different relevant literature will be conducted. Research objectives for the proposed study will be taken under consideration. Subsequently, a procedure will be devised based on which research data will be collected and analyzed in order to generate appropriate findings (Creswell, 2003). Research Hypothesis Null hypothesis (Ho): Increased consumption of fast food leads to diabetes Alternative hypothesis (H1): Increased consumption of fast food does not lead to diabetes Concepts or Independent and Dependent Variables In the hypothesis formulated, the independent variable will be consumption of fast food and on the other hand, the dependent variable will be rate of diabetes occurrence, as it is caused due to the intake of fast food. Target and Accessible Population The proposed research study will be conducted on a sample population of 50 respondents. Moreover, the data will be collected through survey that will be conducted amid patients admitted in hospital for health issue in relation to diabetes. Sampling/Recruitment Procedure A random sampling technique will be adopted in this proposed research study, as it will facilitate to collect data in an unbiased manner (Rubin & Babbie, 2012). The respondents for the study will comprise adolescents along with young adults. Research-ability and Feasibility The research-ability of the proposed study will be appropriate by ensuring that appropriate data is collected in relation to the research topic in an ethical manner. In this context, it can be stated that the names of the respondent will be kept confidential. Additionally, the research will be conducted after obtaining proper authorization from the relevant authorities. The respondents selected will be conveniently assessed and will be available for collecting the data in an appropriate manner. The proposed study will be conducted in accordance with the identified objectives in order to ensure the validity of the study. Moreover, it will be ensured that the findings obtained are true, error free and fair for determining the reliability of the proposed study so that it can be used for future referral. Respectively, this proposed research study will be feasible (Roger, 1996). Lessons Learned This proposed research study will be conducted in a systematic procedure with the intention of obtaining appropriate findings. Furthermore, in this proposed study different ethical considerations are undertaken with the aim of ensuring that the study is conducted ethically and fairly. However, certain challenges that include complexities and time consuming might be faced during data analysis stage, as mixed approach will be adopted in this proposed study. Conclusion In this research report, an overview of the proposed study has been explained with the aim of ascertaining the adverse effect of fast food on health especially relating to diabetes amid the present generation individuals. In this regard, in order to have effective and fair outcome, a systematic procedure will be adopted comprising research objectives, literature review, research questions, data collection procedure and determining analysis method. Contextually, following the determined procedure will assist in obtaining valuable findings. References Creswell, J. W. (2003). Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. United States of America: SAGE. Davis, B., & Carpenter, C. (2009). Proximity of fast-food restaurants to schools and adolescent obesity. Research and Practice, 99(3), 505-510. Grier, S. A., Mensinger, J., Huang, S. H., Kumanyika, S. K., & Stettler, N. (2007). Fast-food marketing and children’s fast-food consumption: exploring parents’ influences in an ethnically diverse sample. American Marketing Association, 26(2), 221-235. Johnson, R. B., & Onwuegbuzie, A. J. (2004). Mixed methods research: a research paradigm whose time has come. Educational researcher 33(7), 14-26. Lee, M. (2014). Statistics of health risks from eating fast food. Retrieved from http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/statistics-health-risks-eating-fast-food-3290.html Paeratakul, S., Ferdinand, D. P., Champagne, C. M., Ryan, D. H., & Bray, G. A. (2003). Fast-food consumption among US adults and children: Dietary and nutrient intake profile. Research, 103(10), 1332-1338. Roger, B. (1996). Researchability and feasibility issues in conducting research. AAOHN Journal, 44(1), 58-59. Rubin, A., & Babbie, E. (2012). Brooks/Cole empowerment series: essential research methods for social work. United States of America: Cengage Learning. The University of South Alabama. (2014). Strengths and weaknesses of mixed approach. Retrieved from http://www.southalabama.edu/coe/bset/johnson/oh_master/Ch14/Tab14-03.pdf UMN. (2012). Fast food increases risk of diabetes, heart disease in Singapore. Retrieved from http://sph.umn.edu/fast-food/ Assignment 3 Discussion of Substantive and Theoretical Dimensions Relevance of Research Problem and Significance The article ‘Implementation of evidence-based nursing practice: nurses’ personal and professional factors?’ by Michal Mashiach Eizenberg signifies that in the present scenario the healthcare facilities are inclined to enhance the quality of care as well as treatment provided to patients. In this regard, the nurses are required to improve their nursing practices by focusing on ‘evidence-based nursing practice (EBNP). Subsequently, the nurses with the assistance of EBNP will be facilitated with the opportunity of providing effective care along with treatment to the patients in accordance with their needs. Correspondingly, the nurses should adopt efficient measures based on which EBNP can be implemented in their practices. Contextually, the nurses will be able to understand the relationship that exists among EBNP and personal along with professional factors of nurses. Thus, the implementation of EBNP is vital for nurses to provide appropriate care and treatment to patients. The concerned study was conducted with the objective of determining the association of EBNP implementation and background of nurses (Eizenberg, 2010). Appropriateness of Conceptual Framework EBNP is based on a certain conceptual framework with the assistance of which clinical decisions are made suitably. With regard to the concerned study, in EBNP, current researches in relation to best clinical practices were made and experiences of clinical experts were integrated. Additionally, in the EBNP framework, the preferences as well as values of patients were also taken under consideration. Respectively, the findings of EBNP assist nurses in having adequate information with the assistance of which they might enhance their practices, make effective clinical decisions and provide care in accordance with the requirements of patients. EBNP framework comprised five stages that include formulating research questions, obtaining relevant information, critical evaluation, integration of research findings with clinical experience and patients’ requirements along with evaluating outcomes of treatment. EBNP framework was studied in a detailed manner with the intention of improving clinical settings so that nurses through their practices can make valuable contributions (Eizenberg, 2010). Congruence between Research Question and Methods Used In this article, the research questions were based on the concept of ascertaining the association that exists among personal and professional backgrounds with the implementation of EBNP. Moreover, the research questions were formulated with the aim of identifying the resources along with factors that might assist in the implementation of EBNP. Correspondingly, a cross-sectional survey design was adopted with the objective of determining the cause and effect relationship. Contextually, a descriptive study was undertaken in this concerned article by surveying two groups of nurses, wherein one group of nurses practiced EBNP and the other did not practice EBNP. Additionally, a logistic regression analysis was adopted with the aim of determining the factors accountable for EBNP implementation. Thus, it can be comprehended that the research questions and methods used are congruent (Eizenberg, 2010). Literature Review The author conducted a systematic literature review in this article with the objective of determining the importance along with the relationship that exists between EBNP implementation and clinical decision making. The review of literatures of different authors provided important information in relation to resources and updated facts essential for nurses to conduct their operations in an effective as well as efficient manner. The information acquired from the review of literatures is current and mostly comprise medical journals along with controlled experiments’ reports. In this regard, it can be identified that the review of different journal studies provided important information in relation to EBNP, EBNP process and importance of EBNP for healthcare organizations and patients. The literature review comprised valuable information regarding EBNP in accordance with which nurses are able to provide efficient services to patients in a cost effective manner. Subsequently, the nurses with appropriate researches will be able to keep themselves updated with latest clinical practices and competencies (Eizenberg, 2010). Discussion of Methodological Dimensions Research Design In this concerned study, a cross-sectional survey design was adopted in order to conduct a better observational along with descriptive study. The cross-sectional survey assisted in recognizing the relationship that exists between implementing EBNP and personal along with professional backgrounds of nurses. Moreover, a logistic regression analysis was adopted with the objective of ascertaining the factors that are accountable towards effective implementation of EBNP (Eizenberg, 2010). Population and Sample In the study, a sample size of 243 nurses was used due to deficiency in accessing the list of target population. The nurses used in the sample size comprised nurses engaged with hospital and community. Consequently, the nurses were segregated in two groups comprising 102 participants of EBNP implementers and 141 participants of non-implementers (Eizenberg, 2010). Collection of Data A questionnaire survey was conducted in the study of this article with the aim of collecting appropriate data. The questionnaire was distributed amid registered nurses holding nursing diplomas and studying BA degree in three academic institutions. Contextually, 150 nurses completed the questionnaires and submitted them instantly. Moreover, almost 100 additional questionnaires were distributed amid other nurses by the assistance of the nurses who have completed the questionnaire survey. Subsequently, the data from 243 nurses were collected within 4 weeks (Eizenberg, 2010). Internal and External Validity The research study was conducted in a systematic and logical manner which assisted in depicting appropriate findings. Moreover, the collected data was analyzed in qualitative and quantitative procedures with the assistance of chi-square test, t-tests and logistic regression analysis. The analyses and tests were conducted with the aim of ascertaining the identified research questions in an appropriate way. Contextually, findings of the relationship between EBNP and personal as well as professional backgrounds of nurses ensured internal validity. Additionally, the findings of the study depicted positive relationship among effective nursing practices and EBNP. Besides, it can be affirmed that the findings of the study were reliable for future referral based on which nurses might enhance their practices and can be capable of providing quality care along with treatment. Subsequently, the dimension of external validity of the research study is ascertained (Eizenberg, 2010). Discussion of Ethical Dimensions Confidentiality or Anonymity The questionnaire survey was conducted in this study with certain ethical considerations. Correspondingly, it was identified that the personal identification of the participants was kept confidential as their personal details were not used during the survey. Additionally, the data collected were retained as secret or concealed (Eizenberg, 2010). Informed Consent The nurses participating in the survey were provided with written explanation about the study that was to be conducted. Moreover, the participants were offered with the opportunity or right to discontinue from the survey and refuse to participate (Eizenberg, 2010). Vulnerability of Study Participants In this research study, adequate measures were undertaken with the aim of ascertaining that the participants were offered with certain ethical considerations. In this regard, the participants were safeguarded from different vulnerable situations that might affect their personal along with professional life (Eizenberg, 2010). Research Ethics Board Approval It can be recognized from the concerned research study that the ethical considerations that were adopted did not have the approval from ‘Research Ethics Board Approval’. Therefore, it can be comprehended that the study did not consider sufficient ethical guidelines in order to ensure that the study is conducted in a fair and just manner for better future referral (Eizenberg, 2010). Discussion of Interpretive Dimensions Discussion Section The discussion section of the article comprised different headings that include study limitations and influences on evidence-based practice (EBP). The discussion section provided information in relation to the limitations that are associated with the study conducted in this article. Consequently, it can be acknowledged that there are two limitations of the study which include self-reports questionnaire that might result in biasness. The next limitation is that the participants comprised highly educated nurses, which might affect the outcome of the study. The discussion section also revealed the influence of the study on EBP. The findings of the study signified that nurses obtaining degree are aware of the importance of EBP. Besides, nurses are required to possess positive attitude towards research with the aim of ascertaining that care and treatment services are provided in accordance with the references of patients. Additionally, EBP assists nurses in making effective clinical decisions (Eizenberg, 2010). Conclusion Section The conclusion part of the research study implied that EBP is an important factor for enhancing nursing practices. Additionally, the positive impact of exposure related to professional journals was ascertained and it should be adequately supported by healthcare organsaitions to adopt EBP in nursing practices. It has also been identified that further researches are required to be made in order to examine the impact of personal along with professional factors in EBNP implementation through observations and clinical researches. Moreover, investigation in relation to determine the relationship between personal as well as professional factors and EBNP should not be based on self-reports (Eizenberg, 2010). Implications Section The implication section depicted that nurses in order to ensure that quality care along with treatment services are provided to patents should develop their practices. The nurses are required to be facilitated with the opportunity of making adequate researches in relation to EBP with better access to internet and libraries. Moreover, the nurses are also required to be facilitated with adequate support along with incentive from healthcare organizations to enhance their practices through the implementation of EBNP. Contextually, with the incorporation of better practices in relation to EBP, the nurses will be able to meet the present clinical care standards and will be capable of making appropriate decisions during clinical dilemmas (Eizenberg, 2010). Discussion of Presentation and Stylistic Dimensions Any Missing Information The research study was mainly based on the concept of identifying the linkage of personal as well as professional factors of nurses with EBNP implementation. The concerned research study is recognized to lack in providing adequate information about the importance of EBP in nursing practices. Moreover, the study failed in providing important information based on which outcomes of the patients can be improved. The nurses with the assistance of EBP will be able to make valuable contributions towards safe and effective care along with health services. Additionally, the findings failed in depicting the procedures in accordance with which healthcare organizations can implement effective policies for their development along with making valuable contributions to the society (Stevens, 2013). Writing Style and Organization The concerned research study is conducted in a systematic manner. The author has used technical writing style by presenting the study in a precise and clear way. Additionally, the author has used balanced sentences which has facilitated in presenting his thoughts in an identical manner. The research study was organized in a structured manner, as identified in different research studies. The study comprised various headings along with subheadings and accordingly it was presented. Contextually, the study was presented in a justifiable and appropriate procedure. In this respect, it can be comprehended that the study was presented in an organized manner with suitable headings along with subheadings (Eizenberg, 2010). Level of Detail, Evidence of Jargon The concerned study was presented with adequate information and details in relation to EBNP requirement in the present day context for nurses to make effective clinical decisions and provide quality care services. The theoretical along with other evidential materials that were presented in the study were supported with appropriate journal articles that are based on empirical studies. Additionally, the empirical journal articles that were included in the research study were current and updated. The terminologies and concepts in relation to EBNP were supported by the studies conducted by clinical experts and other expertise individuals (Eizenberg, 2010). References Eizenberg, M. M. (2010). Implementation of evidence-based nursing practice: nurses’ personal and professional factors? Journal of Advanced Nursing, 67(1), 33-42. Stevens, K. R. (2013). The impact of evidence-based practice in nursing and the next big ideas. 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