Exploring barriers, motivators and potential solutions to achieve healthy lifestyle among undergraduate student nurses

Abstract

<jats:sec><jats:title>Background:</jats:title><jats:p> Many preregistration student nurses tend to be overweight or obese and have unhealthy lifestyles. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Aims:</jats:title><jats:p> This study aimed to quantify the prevalence of these issues, to identify barriers to adopting a healthy lifestyle as well as potential solutions, and to explore the use of smartphone health apps. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Methods:</jats:title><jats:p> An online questionnaire examined diet and physical activity habits, general health and attitudes to eHealth. An in-class questionnaire with a new sample assessed current lifestyle, barriers to healthier living, support needed to achieve goals and the use of health apps. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Findings:</jats:title><jats:p> Half of student nurses were overweight or obese and only 41% met the recommended levels of physical activity. An in-class questionnaire revealed that more than half of them wanted to have a better diet and to exercise more. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusion:</jats:title><jats:p> Generally, student nurses were not satisfied with their current lifestyles. A lack of motivation and time were the most frequently reported barriers; an intervention focusing on motivational support could be an acceptable and effective means of achieving and sustaining positive behaviour change. </jats:p></jats:sec>