Healthy lifestyle behaviors in nursing students and related factors

Objective: This cross-sectional study aims to determine the healthy lifestyle behaviors and related factors among nursing students. Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of all students studying at Aydın Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Nursing during the 2023-2024 academic year. The total duration of the study was 12 months, from September 2023 to September 2024. There were 1468 students enrolled at Aydın Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Nursing during the 2023-2024 academic year. The study reached 498 students. A post hoc power analysis calculated the power of the study to be 98.5%. Data were collected using a 'Personal Information Form' prepared by the researchers based on the literature and the 'Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale II', which has been validated and reliability-tested in Turkey. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 22.0 statistical package program. The significance level was accepted as p≤0.05. Ethical approval was obtained from the Aydın Adnan Menderes University Health Sciences Institute Non-Interventional Clinical Research Ethics Committee. Permission for the use of the 'Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale II' was obtained from the researchers who validated the scale in Turkish, and institutional permission was obtained from the Aydın Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Nursing Dean's Office. Written consent was obtained from participants before their involvement in the study. Findings: When comparing participants' personal characteristics with their scores on the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale II and its subscales, differences were found based on gender, long-term place of residence, income status, family type, mother's education, class level, type of accommodation, mode of transportation to school, smoking status, physical activity status, and having a hobby. Conclusion: The findings of the study suggest that participants' healthy lifestyle behaviors are influenced by their personal characteristics. It may be recommended to implement practices that support healthy living, taking into account the risk factors for nursing students. Keywords: Nursing, Student, Healthy lifestyle behaviors.