Relación entre el estado nutricional y estilo de vida de los estudiantes de la carrera de Enfermería de la Universidad de Cuenca, 2023

Abstract

Background: Nutritional status and lifestyle play a fundamental role in individuals' health and wellbeing. For nursing students, maintaining adequate nutritional status and adopting healthy lifestyle habits is particularly important, as this directly influences their future work in the healthcare field. Objectives: Determine the relationship between nutritional status, dietary habits, sleep quality, and physical activity in nursing students at the University of Cuenca during the period from September 2023 to February 2024. Methodology: A cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was conducted. Nutritional status was assessed using Body Mass Index (BMI), and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and a validated Dietary Habits Questionnaire were administered. Results: 78% of the sample consists of women, and 22% are men. 58% have a normal nutritional status, 39% are overweight or have obesity type I, and 3% are underweight. Low physical activity predominates in 48% of the participants. 61% maintain partially adequate dietary habits, while 29% have inadequate dietary habits. 73% of students require medical attention based on their sleep quality. Conclusion: There is a higher percentage of students with normal nutritional status, low physical activity, partially adequate dietary habits, and who require medical attention based on their sleep quality.