Abstract
Despite their knowledge of health risks and their future role as health promoters, pre-registered nursing students frequently struggle with unhealthy behaviours, including high rates of overweight and obesity. This thesis investigated these challenges in a student nurse population in the South West of England, exploring lifestyle patterns, perceived barriers and motivators, and the potential of mobile health (mHealth) interventions to support behaviour change.Using a multi-method approach across four studies, the research examined students’ current health behaviours, attitudes towards digital tools, and the feasibility and acceptability of theory-driven interventions. The first study, a cross-sectional survey, assessed diet, physical activity, and attitudes toward mHealth. Results showed that over half of participants were overweight or obese, and fewer than half met physical activity guidelines. While many students expressed a desire to improve their lifestyles, they cited time pressure, fatigue, and low motivation as key barriers.The second study evaluated the FITZ app, an mHealth tool based on Functional Imagery Training (FIT), against a control app (‘Best-You’) using standard behaviour change techniques. However, engagement with both tools was limited, highlighting persistent challenges in student uptake of optional digital interventions.The third study used focus groups to explore students lived experiences, revealing a complex interplay of internal (e.g. motivation, energy, impulsivity) and external (e.g. schedules, finances, placement stress) barriers. Students expressed openness to digital tools but stressed the need for more personalised, embedded support. These insights informed the fourth study, which applied the COM-B model to deliver a behaviour change intervention including webinars and social media engagement. Despite offering flexible resources, engagement remained low, highlighting the gap between intention and sustained action.Findings across all studies emphasise that while mHealth tools hold promise, digital solutions alone are insufficient to drive sustained behaviour change.Motivation, both reflective and automatic, emerged as a critical yet fragile driver, shaped by competing demands, value alignment, and emotional states. This research highlights the need for integrated, curriculum-based strategies that foster self-efficacy, lifestyle awareness, and resilience. Embedding behaviour change techniques and self-care education within nursing curricula may better equip students to manage their own health and act as credible role models for patients in clinical practice.
Awarding Institution(s)
University of Plymouth
Supervisor
Jon May, Jackie Andrade
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Date
2025
Embargo Period
2025-10-20
Deposit Date
October 2025
Additional Links
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Recommended Citation
Austin, D. (2025) Engaging Student Nurses in Lifestyle Management: The Role of Technology-Based Interventions and Mobile Health Applications. Thesis. University of Plymouth. Available at: https://doi.org/10.24382/3nrt-ga09
