An Exploration into the Lifestyle of Nursing Students: A Qualitative Study

One of the most important issues related to the youth is recognizing the different aspects of their lifestyle. Since nursing students, as care providers, play a key role in improving the health of their community, this study aimed to explain different aspects of their lifestyle.
This qualitative research was conducted using content analysis through directional approach in 2015. Through purposive sampling, 14 graduates of the bachelor of nursing (6 women and 8 men) were selected as the study participants. The subjects were studied using in-depth and semi structured interviews and interviews continued until data replication or data saturation. The 4 criteria of acceptability, consistency, determination, and transferability were used to assess the validity, accuracy, and reliability of qualitative data. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and reviewed several times, and then, coded and classified into the main categories through framework analysis of the data.
Through data analysis, 9 main categories that reflect the lifestyle of the students (spiritual, educational, health, social, psychological, virtual, ethical, professional, and economic dimensions) and 25 subcategories were extracted.
The student lifestyle has a complex nature and various dimensions, and to maintain a comprehensive approach all aspects must be taken into consideration. Students pointed to significant problems in various aspects of their lifestyle that require more attention by national and university authorities.