THE LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG NURSING STUDENTS: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Objectives: Insufficient physical activity is associated with adverse health risks resulting in high rates of chronic diseases such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases contributing to increased morbidity, difficulty sleeping, increased stress levels, and anxiety. This study described the prevalence, pattern, and types of activities undergraduate nursing students participate in at university campuses, at home, and in their leisure time.

Methods: Exploratory, descriptive design was used. A convenience sample of 200 Jordanian nursing students from governmental and private universities submitted a self-administered physical activity questionnaire (PAQ).

Results: It is indicated that 45 % of the participants usually go to the university by public transportation, indicating a low fitness level. 80% of the total study sample are practicing mild activities while sitting down, e.g., studying at the library, attending short lectures, and taking short tests. 73% practice mild activities during standing up, e.g., standing up to provide a presentation, explaining the g issue, clarifying a figure, or answering questions or short practical tests at the laboratory. At the same time,  60% of the total study sample are practicing hard activities during standing at the college's laboratories for a long time training and applying, standing at clinical training places.

Conclusion: This study indicates that using stairs is low among participants at home and universities, although it is the most active and accessible physical exercise in daily life. Also, walking every day going and coming back home from university is very important because it will improve muscle strength and accordingly it will influence mood. Nursing students should follow positive health behaviors as they could be role models for their patients. Faculty and educators should play a significant role in raising the students’ awareness about exercising to achieve physical and mental fitness and methods to balance study and physical activity.