Duration and Frequency of Physical Activity as Correlates of Self-Esteem of Nursing Students

Abstract

The aim of this descriptive-correlational study was to determine the relationship between duration and frequency of physical activity and self-esteem among nursing students of a selected university. An adapted questionnaire was distributed to 104 conveniently selected nursing students from levels I-III of a selected college of nursing. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that the average frequency of the participants’ physical activity was three times a week, while the average duration was 30 minutes per day. Participants’ self-esteem was assessed to be high. The study found that higher frequencies of stretching, weight-lifting, circuit training, sit-ups, and push-ups were associated with higher levels of self-esteem. Participant’s ages 20- 30 years old had a significantly higher self-esteem level than participants less than 20 years old, while male participants had a significantly higher self-esteem level than females. There was no significant difference in participants’ self-esteem when parents’ monthly income and participants’ place of residence were considered.