CLASSIFICATION OF MEXICAN NURSING STUDENTS ACCORDING TO A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE INDEX

Abstract

Objective: To describe groups of Nursing students according to a healthy lifestyle index. Material and method: Exploratory and quantitative study, conducted at the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEM). The sample consisted of 865 Nursing students. A non-hierarchical cluster analysis was made using k-means with a partition in three groups, which represent the lifestyle index. Results: Three clusters representing the student’s lifestyle index were distinguished: poor healthy lifestyle (n=392), healthy lifestyle (n=402) and very
healthy lifestyle (n=71). Stress, smoking and drinking, are the most common risk behaviours among students. Conclusion: A large number of Nursing students were grouped in the poor healthy lifestyle cluster. Therefore, it is necessary to promote healthy lifestyles in university settings.