Level of Knowledge and Extent of Practice on Risky Behaviours of Benguet State University Student Nurses

Abstract

This study dealt with the assessment of the level of knowledge and extent of practice on risky behaviours of the BSU student nurses at La Trinidad, Benguet. It sought to find out the level of knowledge and extent of practice of student nurses on risky behaviours namely: inadequate physical activity, unhealthy dietary behaviour, tobacco use and smoking, alcohol and other drug use, behaviours that unintentional injuries and violence, sexual behaviours that contribute to unintentional pregnancy and STD. It also sought to answer whether there are significant differences on the level of knowledge and extent of practice of risky behaviours when sex, year level and weekly allowance are considered. The descriptive survey method of research was used in the study. The study was conducted through the administration of questionnaire. The respondents constituted the twenty-five percent of the total population per year level and were selected through random sampling. The questionnaire was answered with the guidance of the researchers. Statistical treatments used in the study were the Chi-square goodness-of-fit test which is used to evaluate the distribution of the respondents. The weighted mean and T-test for one sample was used in determining the level of knowledge and extent of practice. Also the t-test for two samples was used to determine the significant difference on level knowledge and extent of practice when compared to sex. Moreover, Analysis of Variance or F-test was used to determine the significant difference on the level of knowledge and extent of practice of the student nurses compared according to year level and weekly allowance. Results showed that the level of knowledge of the BSU student nurses is very knowledgeable. The extent of practice of the BSU student nurses is often practice. Sex and year level, significantly affects the level of knowledge of the BSU student nurses except weekly allowance. For the extent of practice, sex, year level and weekly allowance significantly affects the extent of practice. Based from the conclusion drawn, the researchers recommended that similar studies should explore the specific risky behaviours, with same ratio of respondents in each independent variable and to be conducted on other colleges of the university. Student nurses should serve as the source of information regarding risky behaviours. The student nurses should propose, plan and implement programs to minimize these risky behaviours at variety of levels, the student nurses should engage in recreational activities like sports and school organizations to avoid practicing risky behaviours. Lastly, the Mentorship Program of the College of Nursing should be strengthened and topics on risky behaviours should be put into focus.