Physical activity and mental well-being in student nurses

SummaryThere is strong evidence that suggests physical activity can enhance mental well-being. However, this relationship has not been widely investigated in student nurses. A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the relationship between physical activity and mental well-being in undergraduate student nurses (n = 215). Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Other outcomes included self-esteem, anxiety, depression, life satisfaction, outcome expectations and self-efficacy.Almost, a quarter (23.8%) of the total sample, were meeting the Department of Health's physical activity guideline. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.0 with 40% being in the overweight to morbidly obese category. Self-esteem was significantly positively correlated with total physical activity (r = 0.16, p = 0.038) and moderate intensity activity (r = 0.17, p = 0.021). No other significant relationships were found between anxiety, depression and satisfaction with life and physical activity. Outcome expectations for exercise and self-efficacy were significantly positively correlated with moderate (r = 0.17, p = 0.019) and vigorous (r = 0.28, p = 0.000) intensity activity and total physical activity (r = 0.29, p = 0.000).BMI was significantly positively correlated with age (r = 0.242, p = 0.001), significantly negatively correlated with self-efficacy for exercise (r = 0.257, p = 0.000) and satisfaction with life (r = − 0.144, p = 0.041). Regression analysis showed that low self efficacy for exercise and increasing age were significant predictors of BMI with a small effect size r2 = 0.126, adjusted r2 = 0.112. BMI and physical activity variables collectively explained only 2% of the variance for anxiety, 4% for depression, 5% for self esteem and 6% for satisfaction with life. BMI was a significant predictor of satisfaction with life (Beta = − 0.171, p = 0.027).Participation in physical activity may be influential in improving mental well-being in student nurses. Promoting physical activity in student nurses has the potential to increase self-esteem and life satisfaction and decrease the risk of anxiety and depression. Further research is needed to establish whether this relationship is causal and exists in other student nurse populations.