Latent Profile Analysis and Influencing Factors of Positive Mental Health Among Undergraduate Nursing Students

Abstract

Objective: To explore the latent profile characteristics of positive mental health among undergraduate nursing students and its influencing factors, aiming to provide a scientific basis for mental health education in universities. Methods: A convenience sampling method was used to survey 655 undergraduate nursing students from a university in Zhengzhou between October and December 2022. A general information questionnaire and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) were used for data collection. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was employed to identify the latent categories of positive mental health, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the influencing factors. Results: The positive psychological health of undergraduate nursing students can be categorized into three latent profiles: low-level positive (45.80%), moderate-level positive (43.21%), and high-level positive (10.99%), indicating significant group heterogeneity. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that household registration (hukou) and chronic constipation were significant influencing factors for different categories of positive psychological health among these students (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The overall level of positive psychological health among undergraduate nursing students exhibits heterogeneity. Relevant universities should design stratified psychological intervention programs based on the diverse psychological characteristics of these students, in order to comprehensively improve their mental health and future professional competency.