An Intervention to Improve Mental and Physical Health of Undergraduate Nursing Students

Abstract

Background Nursing students experience poorer mental and physical health relative to students in other health-related disciplines and young adults of similar age outside post-secondary school. Compromised mental and physical health has numerous negative impacts on nursing students and can result in burnout and development of chronic diseases. Purpose To determine whether an asynchronous online yoga intervention would improve mental and physical health of students. Methods An asynchronous online 6-week yoga intervention was carried out between January and December 2021, using a pre/post design. Participants’ symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and self-compassion were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale and Self-Compassion Scale and core endurance was assessed using the Mackenzie Core Endurance Test prior to commencement and at the conclusion of the program. Results Of 114 participants, 68 completed the online program and pre and post measures showed that the mean depression, anxiety, stress, self-compassion and core endurance scores improved significantly ( p<0.001) between baseline and study completion. Conclusion A six-week virtual yoga program significantly improved mental and physical health of undergraduate nursing students. Targeted modifications to the yoga program might enhance participant retention.