Factors Influencing the Level of Oxygen Free Radicals in Female Nursing Students

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the levels of oxygen free radicals and related health factors in 201 female nursing students. The questionnaire was completed by the participants and their oxygen free radical levels were measured by urine test. In this study, an oxygen free radical analyzer was used to measure oxygen free radical levels. The oxygen free radical analyzer analyzes the amount of oxygen free radicals in the body by measuring urinary malondialdehyde (MDA). To determine factors associated with oxygen free radical levels, multiple regression tests were conducted. Of the participants, 89.6% exhibited normal levels of oxygen free radicals and 10.4% had elevated levels. In this study, the factors that affected oxygen free radical levels were eating habit (β = .20, p =. 003), fatigue (β = .20, p = .004), and detox necessity (β = .18, p = .006). In order to lower oxygen free radical levels of female nursing students, the areas of eating habit, fatigue, and detox must receive increased focus.