Health-promoting behaviours of Iranian nurses and its relationship with some occupational factors: A cross sectional study.

Abstract

To assess the prevalence of health-promoting behaviours (HPBs) and their associations with some occupational factors among nurses. Health-promoting behaviours are significant indicators of health status. Nurses' HPBs may have a direct impact on patients' care and safety. A descriptive, questionnaire design was conducted among nursing staff (n=136) in a district hospital in Iran during 2015. Data was collected using a two-part questionnaire, which included the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II. Data was analysed using the Pearson correlation coefficient, and independent t and ANOVA tests (α=.05). The stress-management and physical activity dimensions had the lowest mean score and health responsibility had the highest. The HPBs of nurses with rotating/irregular shifts, contract employment, and low income were significantly lower. Nurses' HPBs should be promoted in the stress management and physical activity dimensions. In this regard, contract nurses, shift nurses, and low-income nurses are the priorities. Nurse managers should give more attention to promote nurses' HPBs especially in the areas of stress management and physical activity through implementation of healthy lifestyle programs. Nursing policy makers should give attention to permanent recruitment and improving salary as a strategy to improve nurses' HPBs.