The aim of this study was to investigate the student nurses’ attitudes, beliefs and personal behaviour in relation to tobacco issues and the nursing profession, and their levels of stress. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was used. Year of study (first, second, and final year) and smoking status (smokers and non-smokers) were independent variables, while responses regarding tobacco behaviour, perceived stress as measured by the GHQ-12 (Goldberg, 1978) and by the PSQ (Levenstein et al, 1991), and different attitudes and beliefs questions were dependent variables. One hundred and sixty-one Spanish undergraduate nursing students (aged 18-42 years) were administered and returned the questionnaires. High prevalence of tobacco used was found. Levels of stress were similar for all years although smokers were found to have higher levels than non smokers. Misperception of information related to the effects of smoking on stress might be a tobacco maintenance factor.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Tobacco prevalence among nursing students
1.2 Smoking attitudes among nursing students
1.3 Stress and nursing
2. Method
2.1 Design
2.2 Participants
2.3 Materials
2.3.1 Information sheet (Questionnaire 1)
2.3.2 Nicotine dependence
2.3.3 Stress
2.3.4 Attitudes statements (Questionnaire 2)
2.3.5 Attitudinal scale
2.4 Procedure
3. Results
3.1 Data analysis
3.2 Smoking prevalence and history
3.3 Nicotine dependence
3.4 Smoking beliefs
3.4.1 Is tobacco a drug?
3.4.2 Does tobacco help to alleviate stress?
3.4.3 Attitudinal statements
3.5 Attitudinal scale
3.6 Stress
4. Discussion
4.1 Smoking prevalence
4.2 Stress
4.3 Smoking attitudes and beliefs
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Research Focus
The primary objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between stress levels, smoking behaviors, and attitudes toward tobacco among undergraduate nursing students in Spain. It investigates whether nursing students perceive smoking as a coping mechanism for academic and clinical stress, and whether their status as future healthcare professionals influences their smoking habits and professional health-promotion attitudes.
- Prevalence and history of tobacco consumption among nursing students.
- Assessment of nicotine dependence levels within the student population.
- Examination of stress levels using the GHQ-12 and PSQ instruments.
- Exploration of attitudes toward smoking and the nursing role in tobacco prevention.
- Analysis of the relationship between smoking status, stress perception, and cognitive dissonance.
Excerpt from the Book
Stress and nursing
One reason commonly put forward to explain the high prevalence of smoking amongst nurses and student nurses is stress (see Padula, 1992; Elkind, 1988). The nursing profession is acknowledged to be a stressful occupation (Hillhouse & Adler, 1997; McGrath, Reid, & Boore, 2003). Research suggests that nursing students are also affected by occupational stress (Kleehammer, Hart, & Keck, 1990; Wheeler & Riding, 1994). In fact, clinical and learning environments are potentially stressful (Cox, 1993, cited in Tully, 2004), and nursing students are usually involved in both environments. Stressors found over the years regarding the clinical practice embrace issues such as dealing with death and dying (Knight & Field, 1981; Birch, 1975, cited in Lindop, 1999) to changing wards (Jack, 1992). Examinations and academic workload were some of the stressors detected in the learning environment (Lindop, 1991, cited in Lindop 1999). Moreover several personal problems and interface worries need to be added as potential stressors (Jones & Johnston, 1999).
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides a background on the health risks of tobacco and the crucial role nurses play in health education, while highlighting the paradox of high smoking prevalence among nursing students.
Method: Describes the cross-sectional, exploratory survey design using 161 Spanish nursing students, utilizing standard psychological instruments for stress (PSQ, GHQ-12) and nicotine dependence (Fagerström).
Results: Presents the statistical findings, indicating a high prevalence of smoking and identifying a significant association between year of study, smoking status, and perceived stress levels.
Discussion: Interprets the findings by linking them to the theory of cognitive dissonance and existing literature, suggesting that misperceptions about tobacco's role in stress relief contribute to the maintenance of smoking habits.
Conclusion: Summarizes that smoking behavior and attitudes are largely formed before nursing training, and calls for better academic support and dedicated cessation programs within the educational environment.
Keywords
Nursing students, Tobacco prevalence, Smoking attitudes, Stress, Occupational stress, Nicotine dependence, Cognitive dissonance, Health promotion, Nursing education, Tobacco prevention, Spain, Student health, Smoking behavior, Perceived stress, Clinical training
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research examines the prevalence of smoking, associated attitudes, and levels of stress among Spanish undergraduate nursing students.
What are the central thematic areas?
The themes include smoking behavior, the impact of stress during nursing training, the role of nurses in tobacco prevention, and cognitive dissonance regarding smoking-related information.
What is the primary objective of this study?
The goal is to determine if there is a relationship between smoking status and stress levels, and to understand how nursing students perceive the effectiveness of tobacco against stress.
Which scientific methodology was applied?
The study utilized a cross-sectional questionnaire survey with a quantitative analysis of data, employing the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, the PSQ, and the GHQ-12.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the theoretical background of nursing stress, the methodology of the survey, a detailed statistical analysis of smoking and stress correlations, and a discussion of the implications of these findings.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Key terms include nursing students, smoking prevalence, perceived stress, cognitive dissonance, nicotine dependence, and health promotion.
Did the study find a difference in stress levels across the years of study?
Yes, the study found a significant association between year of study and self-perception of stress, with final-year students reporting higher levels.
How does the author explain the maintenance of smoking habits among nursing students?
The author suggests that smoking is often maintained by a misperception that tobacco relieves stress, which helps students manage the psychological tension (cognitive dissonance) between their knowledge of health risks and their smoking behavior.
- Quote paper
- Marcos Alonso Rodriguez (Author), 2005, Smoking prevalence, attitudes towards tobacco and levels of stress among Spanish nursing students, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/277556
