A Study to Assess the Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Yoga for Stress Management among Nursing Students in a Selected Nursing College, Jaipur

Abstract

ABSTRACT:

Introduction: Nursing students are subjected to a variety of academic, clinical, and personal pressures that could negatively impact their academic performance and psychological health. A straightforward, affordable, and non-pharmacological method that may aid in stress reduction is yoga. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how well yoga helps nursing students manage their stress.

Methods: A quantitative research approach with a quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test control group design was adopted. The study was conducted among 60 nursing students at Aadi College of Nursing, Jaipur. Participants were divided into an experimental group (n=30) and a control group (n=30). The experimental group received a structured yoga programme for four weeks, consisting of selected yoga postures, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques. The control group received routine activities. Stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: The mean pre-test stress score of the experimental group was 24.17 ± 4.21, which decreased to 16.74 ± 3.58 in the post-test, with a mean reduction of 7.43 points. The obtained paired t value was 12.31 (p < 0.001), indicating a statistically significant reduction in stress following the yoga programme. In the control group, the mean stress score decreased from 23.83 ± 4.08 to 23.10 ± 4.15, with a mean difference of only 0.73 points, which was not statistically significant (p = 0.116). The post-test mean stress score was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (16.74 ± 3.58 vs. 23.10 ± 4.15; t = 6.41, p < 0.001).

Discussion/Conclusion: The findings indicate that the structured yoga programme was effective in reducing stress among nursing students. Incorporating regular yoga and relaxation practices into nursing education may provide a feasible strategy for promoting psychological well-being and effective stress management among nursing students.

Keywords: Yoga, Stress Management, Nursing Students, Perceived Stress, Nursing Education, Quasi-Experimental Study.