Investigation of the Relationship Between Nursing Students' Worry Levels Regarding Climate Change and Sleep Quality

Climate change has an impact on the prevalence of insufficient sleep and sleep disorders. This study aimed to determine the levels of climate change-related worry and sleep quality among nursing students. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted between August and September 2024. A total of 422 volunteer nursing students from seven universities in different regions of Turkey participated. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Climate Change Worry Scale (CCWS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Statistical analyses included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman correlation tests. The average CCWS score of the students was 33.22±11.14, and the average PSQI score was 6.39±3.46. Among the participants, 52.8% had poor sleep quality (PSQI ≥5). Gender, economic status, place of residence, climate change education, daily sleep duration, sleep latency, and smoking were identified as factors influencing CCWS and PSQI scores. A positive, moderate, and significant correlation was found between CCWS and PSQI scores(r=0.263; p<0.05). Nursing students had moderate levels of climate change-related worry and poor sleep quality. Educational programs and awareness campaigns aimed at enhancing knowledge about climate change could empower students to take action, reduce their worry levels, and improve their sleep quality.