Physical and Psychological Health Problems and Healthcare‐Seeking Behaviors Among Nursing Students in the Northern Emirates: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Introduction Ensuring the health and well‐being of future nurses is crucial to supporting their role in helping patients understand and improve their health. This is especially important, given the demands of the course and profession. Hence, this study aimed to explore common self‐reported physical and psychological problems and associated health‐seeking behaviors among undergraduate nursing students. Methods This quantitative cross‐sectional study was conducted among 246 undergraduate nursing students enrolled at a selected health Sciences University in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Convenience sampling was used to recruit study participants. Data were collected using a structured, self‐administered questionnaire assessing physical and psychological problems, life characteristics, and health‐seeking behaviors. Descriptive statistics, K‐means cluster analysis, ANOVA, and MANOVA were used to analyze the data. Results Stress (mean = 2.74 ± 1.30), headaches (2.71 ± 1.04), and concentration difficulties (2.59 ± 1.24) were the most common self‐reported problems. Cluster analysis identified three groups—low (58.5%), moderate (37.4%), and high (4.1%) symptom groups—indicating that over 40% of students experienced at least moderate levels of physical or psychological difficulties. Significant associations were found between health problems and self‐rated health ( p < 0.001), recent life events ( p < 0.001), religious involvement ( p < 0.001), financial sufficiency ( p = 0.011), and lifestyle factors including tobacco and alcohol use ( p < 0.001). Regarding health‐seeking behaviors, 76.2% of students preferred rest, 32.5% sought advice from family or friends, and 31.7% self‐medicated, while only 23.6% sought immediate professional care. Cost of healthcare (48.8%) and lack of time (45.5%) were the most common barriers, whereas stigma (5.7%) and confidentiality concerns (9.8%) were less frequently reported. Conclusion Many students experienced moderate‐to‐high‐symptom burdens affecting well‐being and academic success, influenced by lifestyle, financial, and psychosocial factors. Despite this, they often relied on rest, family support, or self‐medication, delaying professional care. Those with the highest burden were least likely to seek healthcare, highlighting the need for early, accessible, and culturally sensitive support for at‐risk students.