The Effectiveness of Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB)-based Stress Self-management Health Education in Reducing Stress among Nursing Students: A Study Protocol for a Cluster-randomized Controlled Trial

Background N ursing students often experience high levels of stress, which can adversely impact their physical, mental, and academic well-being and have been linked to various health disorders. In response, this study designed a health education intervention, guided by the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) theory, to reduce stress among nursing students. Methods This study is a cluster-randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of an IMB-based stress self-management health education program in reducing stress among nursing students. The 8-week program comprises seven topics and a concluding session. A total of 22 clusters comprising 110 nursing students will be randomized into intervention (11 clusters) and waitlist control (11 clusters) groups. The primary outcome is stress, with secondary outcomes including stress knowledge, stress mindset, social support, self-compassion, and resilience. Intention-to-treat analysis will be conducted to evaluate the program’s impact. Descriptive statistics will summarize baseline characteristics and outcome variables, while a General Linear Mixed Model will be used to analyze repeated measures within and between groups. Discussion The IMB-based stress self-management health education program is expected to enhance stress management among nursing students and highlights the innovative application of the IMB theory. Trial registration ChiCTR2400088589. Registered on 21, August 2024.