Factors Associated with Smoking Status and Self-Reported Physical Activity Among Spanish Nursing Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background

Modifiable lifestyle behaviours, including physical activity and smoking, are important determinants of health and may influence the mental well-being of nursing professionals. However, evidence simultaneously examining these factors and their associations with sociodemographic, occupational, and mental health factors remains limited.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to analyse the sociodemographic and occupational factors, as well as anxiety and depressive symptoms, associated with smoking status and physical activity among Spanish nursing professionals.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between June and August 2021, including 1216 Spanish nursing professionals. Participants completed an online questionnaire assessing sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, smoking status, physical activity, and symptoms of anxiety and depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression models identified factors associated with smoking status and physical activity.

Results

Overall, 19.0% of participants were current smokers and 49.2% reported physical activity. Self-reported physical activity was positively associated with being a registered nurse, being male, being separated or widowed, living alone, and longer time working in the current service, whereas having children and current smoking were associated with lower odds of being physically active. Current smoking was less likely among older professionals, registered nurses, participants reporting physical activity, and those with anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions

Physical activity and smoking showed an inverse association and were related to different sociodemographic and occupational characteristics among Spanish nursing professionals. The inverse association between anxiety symptoms and current smoking was unexpected and should be interpreted with caution. These findings may inform workplace health promotion strategies addressing physical activity and tobacco use together, while considering the specific needs of different professional groups within the nursing workforce.