Evaluation of the quality of life of part time nursing students at the Faculty of Nursing, Kaunas University of Medicine

The aim of the research. To evaluate the quality of life of part time nursing students at the Faculty of Nursing, Kaunas University of Medicine. Research material and methods. The research was performed at Kaunas University of Medicine form March 20, 2009 to June 16, 2009. The first, second, third and fourth year part time students (here after called students) at the Faculty of Nursing of Kaunas University of Medicine were interrogated. The anonymous questionnaire survey was carried out. A total of 234 questionnaires were distributed. Out of them, 184 questionnaires proved to be adequate for the analysis. (Out of the rest, 39 questionnaires were unfulfilled, 11 questionnaires were refuted, due to lack of answers exceeding 20 percent of questions). Questionnaires were supplied to all the students present at lectures on the survey day. Results: Quality of life ratings of students were different in different spheres. According to life-quality rating inter-comparison, we determined that family subscale average was the highest – 22.71 points. Physical health subscales average was 20.45 points; social-economical subscale was 21.38 points, psychological-spiritual subscale average was 20.76 points. The improving factors of student quality of life were the following: good student health, success and well-being while studying at University, holding administration post and family creation (63.0 percent of student have created their own families). The student quality of life worsens due to constant stress, hard study loads and physical troubles. The quality of life was impaired 3.8 times due to a negative point of view towards University and 6 times due to uncertainty about successful professional career. Conclusions: The following subjective health evaluation was determined: 9.8 percent of respondents evaluated their own health as very good; 45.1 percent evaluated it as satisfactory and 44 percent – as good. 1.1 percent of respondents evaluated their health as bad. Quality of life was improved by success and well-being at studies in the University, good health state and administration post. Better quality of life was established for students who created their own families. Disliking towards University impaired the quality of life, so as the disapproval that students are prompted to express their own opinion at lectures, and the uncertainty for successful professional career, also the subjective evaluation of health state as “average” or “bad” and physical health troubles which lasted for more than 12 months