An Intervention to Improve Mental and Physical Health of Undergraduate Nursing Students.

BACKGROUND: Nursing students experience poorer mental and physical health relative to students in other health-related disciplines and young adults of similar age outside post-secondary school. Compromised mental and physical health has numerous negative impacts on nursing students and can result in burnout and development of chronic diseases.

PURPOSE: To determine whether an asynchronous online yoga intervention would improve mental and physical health of students.

METHODS: An asynchronous online 6-week yoga intervention was carried out between January and December 2021, using a pre/post design. Participants' symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and self-compassion were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale and Self-Compassion Scale and core endurance was assessed using the Mackenzie Core Endurance Test prior to commencement and at the conclusion of the program.

RESULTS: Of 114 participants, 68 completed the online program and pre and post measures showed that the mean depression, anxiety, stress, self-compassion and core endurance scores improved significantly ( p <0.001) between baseline and study completion.

CONCLUSION: A six-week virtual yoga program significantly improved mental and physical health of undergraduate nursing students. Targeted modifications to the yoga program might enhance participant retention.