Incorporating a Microlearning Wellness Intervention Into Nursing Student Curricula.

BACKGROUND

Cultivating healthy lifestyle beliefs (HLBs) can result in positive health outcomes for students during their nursing program.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of short wellness interventions (microlearning) in nursing courses on reducing stress and anxiety and enhancing HLB.

METHODS

Microlearning wellness interventions were offered to graduate and undergraduate nursing students in this cluster randomized intervention study. The Perceived Stress Scale 4, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7, and Healthy Lifestyle Beliefs Scales were administered. Student perceptions were evaluated using a short answer narrative.

RESULTS

The intervention group reported higher HLB (P = .15), lower anxiety (P = .06), and lower stress (P = .06) compared with the control group after adjusting for baseline differences. Student comments were favorable and included enjoying the activities, weight loss success, and mindfulness strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

Incorporating wellness interventions into nursing curricula demonstrates a positive trend toward reducing anxiety and stress and improving HLB.