Health Promoting Lifestyles Among Nurses

Abstract

This study aimed to assess health-promoting lifestyles among nursing students at the University of Lahore, Pakistan, and identify health-related behaviors and unhealthy habits. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected from 109 nursing students using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire evaluated six dimensions of health-promoting lifestyles: health responsibility, physical activity, nutrition, interpersonal relations, spiritual growth, and stress management. Results revealed that 47.7% of students exhibited healthy lifestyles, while 52.3% reported unhealthy habits. Key findings indicated that while many students engaged in health-promoting behaviors such as seeking health information and maintaining interpersonal relationships, a significant proportion lacked adequate physical activity, balanced nutrition, and stress management practices. Demographic analysis showed that urban students and those with normal BMI levels were more likely to adopt healthier lifestyles. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions, including educational programs and counseling services, to promote healthier lifestyles among nursing students. Recommendations include integrating health-promoting curricula, developing awareness campaigns, and leveraging digital tools like "Healthy University" initiatives. Limitations include the study's confinement to a single institution, limiting generalizability, and its cross-sectional design, which precludes causal inferences. This study underscores the importance of fostering health-promoting behaviors among nursing students to enhance their personal well-being and professional competence in delivering quality patient care.