Association of physical activity self-worth perceptions and physical activity levels in female nursing students: cross-sectional study

Abstract

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to evaluate the self-worth perceptions that can be effective on the physical activity levels of female nursing students. Cross-sectional study was carried out with 311 female nursing students. Data were collected using Personal Information Form, International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form and Women’s Physical Activity Self-Worth Inventory. Physical activity levels were low in 28.3 percent of female students, moderate in 58.5 percent and high in 13.2 percent. Based on multinomial logistic regression analysis, Knowledge subscale score was 1.073 times higher in minimally active group and 1.104 times higher in very active group compared to the physically inactive one (p = .021 and p = .037, respectively). IPAQ-SF had weak positive correlations with the total score and Knowledge and Emotional subscale scores of WPASWI. The level of physical activity in female nursing students who will have an important place in encouraging the society about the physical activity in the future was inadequate. Interventions can be planned to provide nursing students with information and emotional support regarding the physical activity self-worth perceptions in order to increase their physical activity levels.