https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8653-2141
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Abstract
Objective
This study compared self-reported nutrition, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI) in undergraduate versus graduate nursing students.
Participants
Respondents included 233 undergraduate and 230 graduate nursing students in a Southeastern public university.
Methods
The study was an exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional comparison administered via online questionnaire including self-reported demographics, nutritional intake, physical activity, and BMI.
Results
Undergraduates reported exercising more than graduate students. Graduate students reported consuming significantly more vegetables than undergraduates; however, more graduate students self-reported BMIs in overweight and obese categories than undergraduates.
Conclusions
Findings provide a foundational understanding that interventions or educational programs to improve self-care behaviors of nursing students should be tailored depending on the educational level of the students. Educators must establish self-care skills within nursing students at all levels to help them preserve their health in the fast-paced, strenuous, and stressful work of all echelons of nursing upon completion of the educational program.
Acknowledgments
The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH.
Conflict of interest disclosure
In accordance with Taylor & Francis policy and our ethical obligation as researchers, I am reporting that no authors on this manuscript have a conflict of interest to disclose regarding this research.