Evolution of Nursing Students' Perceived Health During the First Year of Training

• The health status during the first year of nursing education is impacted by sleep disorders. • There is not significant difference in the level of anxiety. • Lifestyle habits (sports activity, diet, BMI) remain stable. The health of students, particularly health science students, is a global concern. This study aimed to assess the health status of nursing students at the beginning (T0) and end (T1) of the first year of training in 4 French institutes. This longitudinal descriptive study was based on anonymous self-administered questionnaires sent to 585 students. A total of 294 students responded at T0, 168 at T1, 108 at both time points. At T0, 94% of them (276/294) reported good or excellent health—this percentage decreased to 85% at T1 (143/168). There was no significant difference in anxiety levels between T0 and T1. Nonrestorative sleep was reported by 57% of students at T0 and 66% at T1. Height-weight data, sports activity and eating habits remained stable. Perceived health status deteriorated during the first year of training, particularly the perception of restorative sleep. The results of this study suggest the need for educating teachers and students themselves about maintaining their health and sleep quality.