Comparison of healthy lifestyle behaviors of adolescents in schools with and without school nurses

The research was conducted to compare the healthy lifestyle behaviors of students in schools with and without a school nurse. The research is a descriptive-comparative type study. Among the students studying in high schools with (n:3) and without (n:3) school nurses, 702 students representing the research population constituted the research sample group. 'Sociodemographic Information Form' and 'Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Scale II' were used as data collection tools in the study. Qualitative interviews were also conducted with nurses. Among the participants in the study, 274 were female students and 428 were male students. The students' average score on healthy lifestyle behaviors was found to be 136.15. It was found that students studying in schools with a school nurse had a higher healthy lifestyle behavior score, a lower rate of substance use, a higher rate of regular medication use in case of illness, and higher academic success, compared to students studying in schools without a school nurse (p<0.001). . As a result of the regression model made with all parameters that were significant in univariate analysis, it was determined that the variables that most affected the healthy lifestyle total score were group (presence of a school nurse), good course success and exercise status. It was concluded that adolescent individuals exhibited healthier lifestyle behaviors in schools with school nurses. It can be said that a nurse policy in every school is important and should be implemented.