Accessible summary
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Modern students face significant challenges to their mental health. It is acknowledged that both the academic and clinical components of nursing programmes have the potential to act as stressors for students; however, beyond this little is known about specific stressors of students and its relationship to students’ lifestyle or mental health.
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This study aimed to identify student stressors associated with their nursing programme and examine its impact upon their lifestyle behaviours. The research tool was a 146-item questionnaire based upon the College Lifestyle and Attitudinal National survey (CLAN). The study population comprised all students (n= 348) at two university sites.
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Many students experienced programme-related stressors including examinations and assignments and studies in general, although most considered their mental health to be good. However, final-year students were more likely to rate their mental health poorly. Most students reported drinking alcohol to be sociable or have fun; small numbers of students reported using alcohol to relieve stress. Students also faced pressure from work outside of college (29.5%, n= 73).
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Students in this study found within their lifestyle many ways of dealing with stress. A small percentage of students turned to drugs or alcohol to relieve their stress.
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Nurse educators need to consider the support systems that are currently available to nursing students, and particularly those in the clinical area. Consideration may also need to be given to curriculum preparation for nursing students.
Abstract
This study aimed to identify the lifestyle behaviours of nursing students. The research tool was a 146-item questionnaire based upon the College Lifestyle and Attitudinal National survey. Most students considered their mental health as either good or very good. Those in the final year were more likely to rate their mental health poorly. Many experienced programme-related stressors including examinations and assignments and studies in general. More than one-third also reported stressors related to relationships with clinical staff and clinical assessment of competence. There is a concern that the added demands of modern nursing programmes place the student under considerably more pressure, because of competing demands. While many students talk to their peers or family, many do not and prefer rather to go it alone, with some choosing to escape through alcohol or drugs. The support and encouragement of healthy coping mechanisms among nursing students is paramount to ensure a healthy nursing workforce for the future. Nursing students support the mental and physical health of others, and therefore in many ways ought to a role model. Nurturing and supporting their mental health is crucial to the future of profession.