Lifestyle Behaviors of One Baccalaureate Nursing Class: A Pilot Study

Authors

  • Mary MacDonald
  • Robert Faulkner

Abstract

Diseases related to lifestyle are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Canada. The association between many health problems and behaviours such as smoking, alcohol consumption and poor nutritional habits leading to obesity is well-documented (Angel, 1978; Breslow, 1980; Cohen, 1979; Huebert, Feinleib, McNamara & Castelli, 1983; Schmidt, 1977; &, Wynder & Hoffman, 1979). Cigarette smoking is a major causal factor in the occurrence of chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and cancer and is the "major preventable cause of premature death in Canada" (Semenciw, 1987, p.75). Obesity is associated with chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypertension and even breast cancer (Stockwell, Periera, White & Cottreau, 1985). Unlike the above factors, physical activity is one lifestyle variable that has been shown to have many health benefits (Powell, Thompson, Caspersen & Kendrick, 1987; &, Wiley & Camacho, 1980) and, thus, promotes well-being. Duncan and Gold (1986) state that "health promotion contributes to the growth, enlargement or excellence of health." (p.48) Nurses have a responsibility for helping consumers develop positive attitudes and strategies of health promotion for well-being. In order to meet this responsibility nurses must learn and practise preventative care as students. Olivieri and Ouellette (1986) and Gupta, McMahon and Sandhu (1986) emphasize that "faculty in schools of nursing should assume active leadership roles on a personal and a professional level, to promote the 'high level wellness' of the campus community, especially of the undergraduate students" (p.29). Carlin (1982) also advocates that nurses be role models of what they teach.

Downloads

Published

1988-04-13

Issue

Section

Articles