Personal resources as predictors of health-related behaviors in nurses

The work environment negatively affects the health-related behaviors of nurses due to working in a two-shift system, exposure to professional stress, excessive psycho-physical burden, and limited time for relaxation. Personal resources constitute a significant factor influencing nurses' health-related behaviors supporting their effective professional functioning. The aim of the research was to investigate the relationship between health-related behaviors and personal resources and socio-demographic variables in a group of nurses.

The sample consisted of 1420 nurses working in hospitals. A cross-sectional research model with questionnaire methods was employed. The Health Behavior Inventory, the Resilience Measurement Scale, the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, the Life Orientation Test, and a survey questionnaire to collect socio-demographic data were used. The described tools exhibited satisfactory statistical parameters.

Nurses were characterized by an average or slightly increased level of health behaviors and personal resources. Resilience, self-efficacy, optimism, and socio-demographic factors (age, place of residence, relationship status, financial situation, work system, length of service, type of department, BMI) were significant predictors determining the health-related behaviors in nurses.

Personal resources (resilience, self-efficacy, optimism) and selected socio-demographic variables, as significant predictors of health-related behaviors, were found to be diverse in terms of strength and direction of impact. The obtained results highlight the justification for continuing research, which could serve as a foundation for developing educational programs. It is recommended, therefore, that nurses participate in various forms of support related to the development of their personal resources and shaping of their health-related behaviors in the workplace.