Stress Management, Mental Health

Mindfulness meditation, recognized globally as an evidence-based intervention, promotes self-awareness, stress reduction, and emotional regulation. This study assessed the knowledge and practice of mindfulness meditation among undergraduate nursing students at the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. It specifically examined students’ level of awareness, extent of practice, commonly used mindfulness techniques, and factors influencing mindfulness engagement. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, involving 312 nursing students selected from a total population of 983 across all academic levels using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through a validated structured questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Descriptive statistics summarized respondents’ knowledge and practice levels, while Spearman’s rho correlation tested the relationship between the two variables at a significance level of p < 0.05. Findings revealed that most respondents possessed moderate knowledge of mindfulness meditation but demonstrated low levels of regular practice. The most common methods used were mindful breathing and body scanning. Barriers identified
included lack of time, inadequate institutional support, and limited access to trained facilitators, while facilitators included positive attitudes and peer encouragement. Statistical analysis indicated a weak but positive correlation between knowledge and practice of mindfulness meditation among students. The study concludes that although nursing students are aware of mindfulness and its benefits, its practical application remains limited. Integrating mindfulness-based programs into the nursing curriculum is recommended to enhance students’ emotional resilience, stress management, and overall mental well-being. Strengthened institutional support and increased awareness can promote a more consistent mindfulness culture