Physical fitness, health behaviour and health among nursing students: A descriptive correlational study

SummaryBackgroundHealth behaviour is of great importance for nursing students to achieve optimal health. Healthy students tend to complete their study and remain in the nursing workforce. They will also serve as a role model of for patients. However, there is limited research concerning physical fitness and health behaviour (such as sleep problems) in this population.ObjectivesThis study aims to examine the relationships among health behaviour, personal variables, physical fitness, perceived physical health and psychological health.DesignA cross-sectional descriptive correlational study was used.ParticipantsA total of 335 nursing students who were enrolled in a university in Thailand.MethodsData were collected by self-administered questionnaires and physical fitness tests. Independent variables were personal variables and health behaviour. Outcome variables included physical fitness, perceived physical health and psychological health. Descriptive statistics and path analyses were used to analyse data.ResultsNursing students had poor to moderate levels of total physical fitness, with cardiovascular fitness and body flexibility components having the lowest scores. Students who exercised regularly tended to have better physical fitness, perceived physical health and psychological health. Those who did not have sleep problems had better psychological health.ConclusionSome personal variables and health behaviours were associated with health among nursing students. Appropriate interventions are required to promote positive health behaviour in this population.