Undergraduate versus graduate nursing students: Differences in nutrition, physical activity, and self-reported body mass index. Issue 7 (3rd October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Graves, Rebecca J.; Williams, Susan G.; Hauff, Caitlyn; Fruh, Sharon M.; Sims, Brook; Hudson, Geoffrey M.; McDermott, Ryon C.; Sittig, Scott; Shaw, Thomas; Campbell, Matt; Barinas, Jennifer L.; Hall, Heather R.
• Is Part Of: Journal of American college health. Volume 70:Issue 7(2022)
• Page Start: 1941
• Page End: 1946
• Publication Date: 2022-10-03
• Subjects: Graduate student health -- nursing student self-care -- self-care behaviors -- undergraduate student health; College students -- Health and hygiene -- United States -- Periodicals; College students -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; College students -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services -- Periodicals; 362.10883781980973
• DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1842421
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0744-8481

Abstract

Abstract: Objective This study compared self-reported nutrition, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI) in undergraduate versus graduate nursing students. Participants Respondents included 233 undergraduate and 230 graduate nursing students in a Southeastern public university. Methods The study was an exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional comparison administered via online questionnaire including self-reported demographics, nutritional intake, physical activity, and BMI. Results Undergraduates reported exercising more than graduate students. Graduate students reported consuming significantly more vegetables than undergraduates; however, more graduate students self-reported BMIs in overweight and obese categories than undergraduates. Conclusions Findings provide a foundational understanding that interventions or educational programs to improve self-care behaviors of nursing students should be tailored depending on the educational level of the students. Educators must establish self-care skills within nursing students at all levels to help them preserve their health in the fast-paced, strenuous, and stressful work of all echelons of nursing upon completion of the educational program.