Physical Activity and Nutritional Assessment among Nursing Students at one of the Egyptian Universities

Mostafa Shehata, Ahmed; Sayed Mustafa Ibrahim, Safaa; Magdi Farghaly, Shimaa

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2025.432142

Physical Activity and Nutritional Assessment among Nursing Students at one of the Egyptian Universities

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Lecturer of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Beni-Suef University, Egypt.

² Assistant Prof. of Medical Surgical Nursing, College of Nursing, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia. and Lecturer of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University, Egypt.

10.21608/ejhc.2025.432142

Abstract

Background: Proper nutrition and consistent physical activity are crucial for fostering good health, especially among university students who often undergo significant lifestyle changes during this transformative period. Aim: This research aims to thoroughly evaluate the nutritional habits and physical activity patterns among nursing students. Methods: Employing a descriptive exploratory research design, the study involved a random sample of 234 undergraduate nursing students. Data collection utilized structured questionnaires designed to assess socio-demographic characteristics, nutritional patterns, and levels of physical activity. A scoring system was established to categorize responses as satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Results: Alarmingly, less than half of the students identified as smokers. More than half reported skipping breakfast, while nearly half of the students admitted to frequently consuming fast-food. Additionally, about half of the students did not follow a planned exercise regimen, with an exceptionally the majority of the students exhibiting low levels of physical activity. Conclusion: The findings highlight critical health risks linked to poor dietary choices and a lack of physical activity among nursing students, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted health interventions. Recommendations: It is essential for universities to implement mandatory nutrition education programs, improve access to healthy food options, establish smoking cessation initiatives, and create structured physical activity programs that encourage healthier lifestyle choices among students.

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