[Trends in smoking and alcohol consumption among nursing students]

To determine trends in smoking and alcohol consumption, as well as risk behaviors associated with alcohol and driving, among nursing students throughout the diploma in nursing.

A longitudinal epidemiological study was performed in a cohort of 81 nursing students of the San Sebastian School of Nursing. Data were collected using a self-administrated, bilingual (Spanish-Basque) questionnaire completed voluntarily and anonymously. The questionnaire was distributed in one of the most highly attended lectures.

Ninety-one percent of the cohort (71 students) were women. The percentage of current smokers (25%, 26.7% and 26.9%) and current drinkers (70.4%, 69.7% and 69.6%) showed no change during the 3-year diploma. The percentage of students at risk of an alcohol-related traffic accident was very high and increased during the course (from 32.3% in the first year to 45% in the third).

The present study identifies unhealthy habits and behaviors that do not improve during the diploma in nursing, suggesting that nursing studies do not always help to encourage healthy habits. Therefore, health education programs should be developed to promote healthy habits and life styles.