Knowledge, attitudes and tobacco use among nursing and physiotherapy students

Analysis of Knowledge of Smoking-Related Diseases in Spanish Nursing Students

Smoking causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, mainly in developed countries. In addition, it is the cause of numerous diseases in the body, despite the fact that the prevalence of tobacco use is decreasing. Nursing students, as future professionals, should be aware of action plans for cessation and information designed for smokers. To determine the level of knowledge among nursing students about smoking-related diseases and analyze the prevalence of student who smoke at the University of Leon, Spain, a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in which students were given an anonymous questionnaire, which was previously validated, during the 2021-2022 academic year. In a sample of 477 (79.5%) nursing students, a smoking prevalence of 17.6% was obtained. In addition, students' knowledge about the diseases directly caused by tobacco consumption and others associated with exposure to environmental smoke was assessed, and in both cases (8.03 points of 9 for consumption and 5.24 of 6 to exposure), scores were obtained that allow us to state that students do not know for sure the types of diseases that are related to tobacco use and passive smoking. In spite of this, it is necessary to continue to reduce the prevalence of smoking through different programs implemented in schools and universities, as it is also necessary to improve teaching plans when explaining smoking-related diseases, so that students, in the future, will be able to advise patients correctly.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words: Health Behaviours and the Literacy of Future Healthcare Professionals

Our everyday behaviours in life can positively and negatively impact our health, thus cumulatively shaping our lifestyles as more or less healthy. These behaviours are often determined by our knowledge, literacy, motivations and socioeconomic backgrounds. The authors aimed to assess health behaviours and explore variables that may affect persons studying to become future healthcare professionals in Poland. This study was conducted with a group of 275 undergraduate students attending the Poznan University of Medical Sciences representing six different majors of study. We used self-reported, cross-sectional survey conducted through the use of a questionnaire that consisted of one standardised scale (Juczyński’s Health Behaviour Inventory) as well as a self-developed health literacy measure. The students showed average to high levels of health-promoting behaviours (mean HBI = 82.04 ± 11.26). Medium to strong associations were found between these behaviours and high scores on the health literacy scale (p = 0.001, r = 0.45 between total scores of the two scales). Dietetics students and female respondents scored significantly better on both scales, which suggests that their self-reported behaviours and health literacy were higher than those of other participants. Exhibiting health-protective behaviours and high health literacy is likely to result in the better individual health of our respondents, but, more importantly, will also influence their future professions. As members of the healthcare workforce they will be responsible for the health of the population and it is crucial for them not only to provide care, education, and guidance, but also to act as role-models for their patients and society.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words: Health Behaviours and the Literacy of Future Healthcare Professionals

Our everyday behaviours in life can positively and negatively impact our health, thus cumulatively shaping our lifestyles as more or less healthy. These behaviours are often determined by our knowledge, literacy, motivations and socioeconomic backgrounds. The authors aimed to assess health behaviours and explore variables that may affect persons studying to become future healthcare professionals in Poland. This study was conducted with a group of 275 undergraduate students attending the Poznan University of Medical Sciences representing six different majors of study. We used self-reported, cross-sectional survey conducted through the use of a questionnaire that consisted of one standardised scale (Juczyński’s Health Behaviour Inventory) as well as a self-developed health literacy measure. The students showed average to high levels of health-promoting behaviours (mean HBI = 82.04 ± 11.26). Medium to strong associations were found between these behaviours and high scores on the health literacy scale (p = 0.001, r = 0.45 between total scores of the two scales). Dietetics students and female respondents scored significantly better on both scales, which suggests that their self-reported behaviours and health literacy were higher than those of other participants. Exhibiting health-protective behaviours and high health literacy is likely to result in the better individual health of our respondents, but, more importantly, will also influence their future professions. As members of the healthcare workforce they will be responsible for the health of the population and it is crucial for them not only to provide care, education, and guidance, but also to act as role-models for their patients and society.

Analysis of the Lifestyle of Spanish Undergraduate Nursing Students and Comparison with Students of Other Degrees

Background: Nursing students are exposed to concepts of healthy lifestyles while they are attending university. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze whether nursing students have a healthier lifestyle than non-nursing students and to determine whether their behaviour is consistent with their beliefs. Methods: A cross-sectional study, with 293 university students was performed by using a validated questionnaire to measure beliefs and behaviour regarding health. Results: The lifestyle pattern of the nursing students evaluated was characterised by a high percentage of nurses with low levels of physical activity, poor balanced diet and smoking habits. The comparative analysis showed no significant differences between nursing students and students from other degrees. Conclusions: Students have a positive attitude and knowledge about healthy lifestyle, but do not transfer it to their own lives. Nurses’ lifestyle can unintentionally affect the behaviour of other people through their own behaviour and beliefs because they serve as a model for a healthy lifestyle. These findings support that nurse educators have an active role as promoter of health by using lessons to modify the behaviour of their students.

Exploring Trends and Differences in Health Behaviours of Health Sciences University Students from Germany and England: Findings from the "SuSy" Project

Objectives: This research aimed to explore the health behaviours of health sciences students over time and across different settings. Methods: A health behaviour surveillance system has been implemented in Hamburg and Manchester among under- and postgraduate health sciences students. Trends among the Hamburg sample were described. In a cross-sectional assessment, health behaviours across both universities were examined using multivariate regression analysis. Results: Between 2014 and 2018, increasing trends in physical activity and cannabis and alcohol consumption were observed in Hamburg (n = 1,366). While fruit and vegetable intake was constantly low, tobacco smoking decreased. No clear trend was observed for stress perception. The comparison (n = 474) revealed that Manchester students had higher odds of smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and fruit and vegetable consumption; and lower odds of being physically active, and consuming cannabis. No difference in stress perception was observed. Conclusions: Varying trends and potential areas of intervention were identified for health behaviours in Hamburg. The comparison with Manchester students revealed differences in behaviours, which could be further explored to help inform health promotion strategies in both settings.

Associations between health behaviors and mental health in Australian nursing students

AIM

Nursing students experience high levels of stress, anxiety and depression. This study examined associations between health behaviors and stress, anxiety and depression in Australian nursing students.

DESIGN

this was a cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Participants completed an online survey providing demographic information and responses to the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, short Food Frequency Questionnaire, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, International Physical Activity Questionnaire and Workforce Sitting Questionnaire. Associations were evaluated using multivariate linear regression.

RESULTS

Mild to extremely severe stress (46.6%), anxiety (52.8%) and depression (42.2%) were prevalent. Intake of snack-foods was associated with higher depression (β = 8.66, p < 0.05) and stress (β = 3.92, p = 0.055) scores. More time spent sitting was associated with higher depression (β = 0.48, p < 0.001) and stress (β = 0.28, p < 0.05) scores. Skipping meals correlated with higher stress, anxiety and depression scores.

CONCLUSION

More support must be provided to nursing students to manage psychological distress and mental health during university study.

[Fourteen years of tobacco control law in Spain. Current situation and proposals]

Spain has made progress in tobacco control policies, highlighting the prohibition of tobacco consumption in closed public spaces. A continued decrease in the proportion of smokers is observed. Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke has decreased in entertainment venues, with a reduction of environmental nicotine and particulate levels over 90%, without negative impact at home. There are reductions in hospital admissions and in mortality from heart attack, decrease in hospitalizations for chronic lung disease and asthma, and decrease in the risk of prematurity and low birth weight. We must advance in: plain packaging, advertising campaigns to prevent consumption, equalize the price of different tobacco products, regulate electronic cigarettes in public places, consider new smoke-free spaces where minors and other vulnerable groups may be exposed, expand aid for cessation and promote health professionals training.

Smoking in nursing students: A prevalence multicenter study

The role of nursing students as future health promoters of healthy behaviors is influenced by their attitude towards smoking. A cross-sectional study using a self-administered survey was performed to analyze smoking prevalence among undergraduate the nursing students who attend nursing faculties in 2 European countries (Spain and Portugal) during academic period 2015 to 2016. A total of 1469 subjects were surveyed (response rate of 79.8%). An 80% of the students were female with a mean age of 21.9 (4.8) years. The overall prevalence of tobacco use was 18.9%, with an average percentage of 16.2% in Portugal and 18.3% in Spain. Statistical significance was observed in relation to smoke and previous studies (16.4% vs 27.1%; P < .001). Only 1.1% of the students reported using electronic cigarette. 15.8% of smokers started smoking while at university with statistical gender and previous studies differences (P < .001). Fagerström and Richmond test showed low nicotine dependence (2.8 ± 2) and moderate motivation to stop smoking (4.9 ± 3), respectively. Smoking prevalence among nursing students was slightly higher than the general European population. For that reason, measures to reduce tobacco use have to be focused on students and university policies on tobacco control should be a challenge in the future.

Prevalence and determinants of tobacco, e-cigarettes, and cannabis use among nursing students: A multicenter cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Nurses are important agents in public health, which includes being active in tobacco control. Studies show that nurses who smoke are less inclined to offer smoking cessation aid. Nursing students, as the future labor force of nursing, are one of the key groups to monitor.

OBJECTIVES

To identify the prevalence and determinants of use of several tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and cannabis among nursing students in Catalonia.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional multicenter study.

SETTINGS

15 university nursing schools in Catalonia (Spain) in 2015-2016.

PARTICIPANTS

Nursing students attending class at the day of the survey.

METHODS

An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire based on the Global Health Professional Survey was designed. The questions included information on consumption of several tobacco products (manufactured cigarettes, roll your own cigarettes, etc.), e-cigarettes, and cannabis. We estimated the prevalence of use (%) and computed multilevel logistic regressions models, at two levels, to calculate the odds ratios (OR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusting for several individual sociodemographic variables and the nursing school as a grouping variable.

RESULTS

4381 students participated in the study (57.2% of Nursing students in Catalonia at the time of the survey). 29.7% (95%CI: 27.2-32.2) were smokers (18.4% daily and 11.3% occasionally). 66.4% smoked manufactured cigarettes, 47.0% roll your own cigarettes, 10.0% waterpipe, and 0.4% e-cigarettes. The main predictors of smoking were: being ≥25 years (OR = 2.57, 95%CI: 2.03-3.26) and belonging to other Spanish regions (OR = 1.82, 95%CI: 1.30-2.54). 71.5% had low nicotine dependence as defined by the Heavy Smoking Index. Among 11.5% (95%CI: 10.6-12.4) of students used cannabis (daily or occasionally), and men presented higher odds of use (OR = 2.81, 95%CI: 2.11-3.73) than women.

CONCLUSIONS

Tobacco and cannabis use is high among nursing students. It is necessary to carry out early tobacco and cannabis cessation programs among young nursing students.

Changes and specificities in health behaviors among healthcare students over an 8-year period

BACKGROUND

Healthcare students are future health care providers and serve as role models and coaches to enhance behaviors for healthy lifestyles. However healthcare students face multiple stressors that could lead to adopting risk behaviors.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the changes in health risk factors among healthcare students between 2007 and 2015, and to identify specific health behaviors based on the curriculum in a population of healthcare students.

METHODS

Two cross sectionnal studies were conducted in 2007 and 2015 among nursing, medical, pharmacy, and physiotherapy students (Rouen, France). During compulsory courses and examination sessions students filled self-administered questionnaires on socio-demographic characteristics and behavior as: tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, cannabis consumption, eating disorders, regular practice of sport, perceived health, stress and use of psychotropic drugs.

RESULTS

2,605 healthcare students were included (1,326 in 2007 and 1,279 in 2015), comprising 1,225 medical students (47.0%), 738 nursing students (28.3%), 362 pharmacy students (13.9%), and 280 physiotherapy students (10.8%). Between 2007 and 2015, occasional binge drinking and regular practice of sport increased significantly among healthcare students, respectively AOR = 1.48 CI95% (1.20-1.83) and AOR = 1.33 CI95% (1.11-1.60), regular cannabis consumption decreased significantly, AOR = 0.32 CI95% (0.19-0.54). There was no change in smoking or overweight/obese. There was a higher risk of frequent binge drinking and a lower risk of tobacco smoking in all curricula than in nursing students. Medical students practiced sport on a more regular basis, were less overweight/obese, had fewer eating disorders than nursing students.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate a stable frequency of classic behaviors as smoking but a worsening of emerging behaviors as binge drinking among healthcare students between 2007 and 2015. Health behaviors differed according to healthcare curricula and nursing students demonstrated higher risks. As health behaviors are positively related to favorable attitudes towards preventive counseling, therefore healthcare students should receive training in preventive counseling and develop healthy lifestyles targeted according to the health curriculum.

Smoking Habits among Greek University Students after the Financial Crisis

Background:

University students worldwide seem to have increased rates of smoking, alcohol abuse, binge drinking episodes and harmful consumption trends, raising a serious public health issue. The aim of the present study was to investigate university students’ smoking habits and exposure to secondary smoke amid a financial crisis.

Methods:

The present descriptive, correlational analysis was conducted at the University of Peloponnese.

Results:

The average age of the sample (n=203) was 24.9 years (±7.6 years) with 36.0% of the participants (n=73) being postgraduate students. Some 51.2% (n=104) of the participants said they didn’t smoke and 46.3% (n=94, p=0.003) reported no secondary smoke exposure during the past week at home. The majority of the remainder initiated smoking at age 16-17 (48.5%, n=48), and 64.6% (n=42) said the financial crisis did not lead them to change their smoking habits.

Conclusions:

The majority of students support smoking ban laws in enclosed public spaces, but also their replies highlighted poor implementation on behalf of the state and the authorities. The financial crisis did not appear to have affected student smoking habits.