An ASSESSMENT OF LIFESTYLE PROFILE OF YOUNG NURSING STUDENTS IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

ABSTRACT
A healthy lifestyle is a way of living that promotes overall well-being and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. It encompasses a range of habits and choices that prioritize physical, mental, and emotional health. It further involves creating an environment that supports health and well-being. Indeed a constant and deliberate effort toward health maintaining and promoting activities is required. The sooner a healthy lifestyle is adopted, the greater the benefits. Healthcare professionals like nurses, despite being aware of the healthy lifestyle, are not following it. The objectives of this study are to assess the current lifestyle behavior of the nursing students.
Material and Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study is carried out on BSc Nursing (4 years) students. Wellness lifestyle questionnaire is applied to assess the lifestyle characteristics of nursing students. Questionnaire is comprised of 32 questions and eight categories, each category represents a different domains of lifestyle.
Results: The results showed that Body Mass Index of 44.5% of the population deviate from the normal values. Only 5.9% of participants have satisfactory lifestyle score in all categories. Statistical analysis ANOVA showed that there is a significant association between all of the following variables like residential status, gender, physical activity, nutritional status, stress management, environmental health and well-being. Conclusions: Most of the Nursing students need improvement in their lifestyle. The prevalence (95% confidence interval) of satisfactory score among different categories of lifestyle is as follows. Health related fitness/physical activity 30%, disease prevention 42%, nutrition 50.2% and stress management 66% etc. Healthy lifestyle is essential for individuals and society to achieve the highest possible potential.