Investigating Quality of Life, Academic Resilience, and Influential Factors in Nursing Education: A Mixed-Methods Study among Nursing Students

Introduction: Investigating the correlation between quality of life (QoL) and academic resilience (AR) and understanding their influencing factors is crucial for adequately preparing nursing students to navigate the challenges in their future professional careers. Objectives: This research aims to investigate the relationship between QoL and AR among nursing students. Additionally, to explore factors influencing these variables from the students' perspectives. Methods: A mixed-methods design, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data, was conducted at a Saudi nursing college. The quantitative data were collected through a cross-sectional design, with a convenience sample of 190 students completing the Brunnsviken Brief Quality of Life Scale (BBQ) and the Academic Resilience Scale (ARS-30). Simultaneously, qualitative data were collected using open-ended questions to gain insights into the factors influencing their QoL and AR, as well as the role of nursing education. The analysis involved inferential statistics and content analysis. Results: The study revealed that Saudi nursing students reported a moderate level of both QoL and AR. A significant positive correlation indicates that AR explains around 34.0% of the variation in QoL (p < 0.005). The qualitative data identified various supportive and barrier factors impacting the QoL and AR of nursing students, and students reflected on the significant role of nursing educators and academic advising. Conclusion: The findings hold implications for interventions such as establishing supportive educational environments, enhancing academic advising, implementing resilience-building and wellness programs, peer support initiatives, and encouraging social engagement-all essential strategies to bolster nursing students' overall well-being, QoL, and AR.