Physical activity knowledge, attitudes and behaviours among Irish nursing students

Physical activity (PA) is a method of prevention and management of several non-communicable diseases. Adults who meet the recommended amount of PA report improved health, quality of life and social participation in their communities. Nurses play a key role in the promotion of healthy behaviors, are one of the most trusted and reliable healthcare professionals and tend to display a positive attitude and enthusiasm towards the promotion of PA. Student nurses are the future of the nursing workforce therefore it is important to determine their PA knowledge, attitudes and behaviors. This cross-sectional study examined PA knowledge, attitudes and behaviors among ninety-four Irish nursing students. Most nursing students (60.2%) were aware of Irish PA guidelines and could correctly identify these guidelines (83.7%). The students demonstrated a positive attitude towards PA in practice however reported a lack of confidence to give advice to patients. These findings correlate with the literature which states that nurses are enthusiastic to promote PA to patients but report a lack of skills, knowledge and time to do so. Over half of the nursing students engaged in vigorous PA, this contrasts with previous studies that have shown that nurses in practice report low levels of PA. This study highlights a lack of confidence in the area of PA among nursing students, therefore, it is vital to integrate more PA education into the nursing curriculum to equip the future nursing workforce with the skills and confidence they need to promote PA to their patients.