Latent profiles of role overload and associated factors among nursing students: A cross-sectional study

Nursing students experience role overload due to the dual pressures of academic coursework and clinical internships, which can lead to stress and negative mental health outcomes. However, there is limited research on the heterogeneity of role overload and its effects on nursing students' psychological well-being.

This study aims to explore the latent categories of role overload among nursing students, analyze the characteristics of these categories, and identify factors influencing role overload, providing insights for educational and psychological interventions.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 512 nursing students, and role overload was measured using the Role Overload Scale. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was used to classify students into different role overload categories, and multiple regression analysis was performed to identify predictive factors.

The analysis revealed three categories of role overload: low, moderate, and high. Significant differences were observed among groups in night shift frequency, physical exercise, sleep regularity, and weekly working days (all p < 0.05). Factors such as night shift frequency, physical exercise, sleep regularity, and the number of patients cared for were significant predictors of role overload. Students in the high overload group reported frequent night shifts, irregular sleep, and a lack of physical exercise.

The results indicate that role overload among nursing students varies across individuals, with high overload linked to unhealthy lifestyle habits and high work demands. Strategies such as improving sleep quality, reducing night shifts, and encouraging physical exercise may help alleviate role overload and support students' mental health.