Abstract

Psychological Self-Care Behavior among Nursing Students in Bangladesh

Author(s): Hossain MA and Chung Yul Lee

Psychological self-care behaviors (PSCB) are the behaviors that individuals have to initiate and constantly conduct in normal circumstances, as well as in stressful situations, with an aim to maintain mental support and well-being. Little research has been done regarding psychological self-care behavior, not found articles directly related to nursing students in Bangladesh. The aim of the study was to identify the psychological self-care behaviors and related factors among Nursing Students in Bangladesh.
The study used a descriptive exploratory design. A Random sample of 100 students was recruited from nursing schools in Dhaka. A self-reported questionnaire with personal and school characteristics on the PSCB of students was used. Correlation (r), t-test and ANOVA (F) were used for analysis. The mean age of the participants was 20.19, 83% female, and the total mean scores of PSCB was 2.21 in 4 points scale. The significant related factors on PSCB were loss of a parent (p=.02), alcohol consumption (p=.000), substance abused (p=.006), nature of institute (p= .01), type of course (p=.03) and academic year of study (p=.002). Students who have both parents, the experience of alcohol consumption, no substance abuse, Government students, BSN students, and higher grade, showed significantly higher PSCB. Schools can consider those characteristics to guide students.
Background: Self-care is a vital component of nursing practice and is essential for human well-being, that is, for patients and nurses alike. Nurses and nursing students, however, tend to focus more on their patient’s self-care and often pay little or no attention to personal self-care. This review of the literature explored the behaviors and practices of nursing students in general and throughout the academic years of the study. A total of 11 studies were reviewed and critically assessed to identify current trends regarding the self-care practices and behaviors of nursing students in nursing literature.