An evaluation of the effectiveness of a dedicated health and well being course on nursing students' health. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mc Sharry, Patricia; Timmins, Fiona
• Is Part Of: Nurse education today. Volume 44(2016)
• Page Start: 26
• Page End: 32
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: Health promotion -- Student -- Nurse -- Nursing -- Health -- Motivational interviewing; Nursing -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Education, Nursing -- Periodicals; Soins infirmiers -- Étude et enseignement -- Périodiques; Nursing -- Study and teaching; Periodicals; 610.7307
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2016.05.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0260-6917

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Many studies have shown that the transition to college can have a negative effect on students' life style choices resulting in weight gain, increasing inactivity and stress. Additionally while this issue is well recognised there have been only limited attempts at targeted interventions aimed at the university student population. The establishment of poor behavioural choices at this stage in the student's life can lead to consistency of unhealthy lifestyle practices, ultimately placing students at risk of heart disease and other lifestyle related health issues. This is more problematic for nursing students who are identified within the public domain as health promoters and as such ought to model, or at least not grossly contradict, healthy lifestyle choices. The current intervention is proposed as a possible mechanism to interrupt this process and establish healthy lifestyle choices at this crucial time in students' life in the hope that this will have lifelong health benefits. Aim: This is an innovative study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of a health and well being module on nursing students' health. Methods: Teaching on Health and Well-Being, a new course in the University, was provided to all first year undergraduate students at one university site in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) (n = 110). Approximately half the sample (Nursing students) underwent an intervention while the other half served as a comparison group, health behaviours of both groups were compared using pre and post-test measures. Findings: The most important finding from the study was a statistically significant increase in psychological well-being in the intervention group with a corresponding decrease in psychological well-being in the comparison group. Findings also indicated an initial significant increase in physical activity in the intervention group although this was not maintained over time. Discussion: Targeted health behavioural interventions that include stress management skills ought to be provided as mandatory to nursing students to ensure the health of our future professionals. Only in this way they can role model the behaviours required of clients in their care. Highlights: This study outlines an innovational intervention aimed at improving health outcomes for nursing students. This study identified short-term improvements in nursing students' health behaviours following a curriculum based health-focused intervention. This study identified weight gain as a common phenomenon in first year undergraduate students. This study identified the need for psychological support for all undergraduate students as a priority requirement for sustainable health of future graduates.