DIGITALINFLUENCE OF HUGGING AND BREATH CONTROL BEFORE EXAMS IN HEALTH SCIENCES DEGREES
1 Department of Anatomy, Cellular Biology and Zoology, Lecture in Podiatry degree, Teaching Innovation Group Welfar (GIDUBEX), University of Extremadura (SPAIN)
2 Department of Nursing, Lecture in Nursing degree, GIDUBEX, University of Extremadura (SPAIN)
3 Department of Nursing, Lecture in Podiatry degree, GIDUBEX, University of Extremadura (SPAIN)
4 Department of Nursing, Lecture in Nursing and Podiatry degrees, GIDUBEX, University of Extremadura (SPAIN)
5 Department of Forest and Agricultural Engineering, Lecture in Forest degree, GIDUBEX, University of Extremadura (SPAIN)
6 Department of Physic, Lecture in Forest degree, GIDUBEX, University of Extremadura (SPAIN)
7 Department of Mathematics, Lecture in Podiatry and Nursing degrees, GIDUBEX, University of Extremadura (SPAIN)
2 Department of Nursing, Lecture in Nursing degree, GIDUBEX, University of Extremadura (SPAIN)
3 Department of Nursing, Lecture in Podiatry degree, GIDUBEX, University of Extremadura (SPAIN)
4 Department of Nursing, Lecture in Nursing and Podiatry degrees, GIDUBEX, University of Extremadura (SPAIN)
5 Department of Forest and Agricultural Engineering, Lecture in Forest degree, GIDUBEX, University of Extremadura (SPAIN)
6 Department of Physic, Lecture in Forest degree, GIDUBEX, University of Extremadura (SPAIN)
7 Department of Mathematics, Lecture in Podiatry and Nursing degrees, GIDUBEX, University of Extremadura (SPAIN)
About this paper:
Appears in: INTED2021 Proceedings
Publication year: 2021
Pages: 5449-5454
ISBN: 978-84-09-27666-0
ISSN: 2340-1079
doi: 10.21125/inted.2021.1106
Publication year: 2021
Pages: 5449-5454
ISBN: 978-84-09-27666-0
ISSN: 2340-1079
doi: 10.21125/inted.2021.1106
Conference name: 15th International Technology, Education and Development Conference
Dates: 8-9 March, 2021
Location: Online Conference
Dates: 8-9 March, 2021
Location: Online Conference
Abstract:
The hug and the control of breathing are factors that can influence the approach of students to solve exams within degrees of health sciences. They are strategies that facilitate coping with stressful situations.Two activities were scheduled before the exams with the Nursing and Podiatry degrees students belonging to the University Center of Plasencia (University of Extremadura). One, which we call “hugging”, consisted of giving hugs between teachers and students and between students; and the other, “breath control”, consisted of directed active control of breathing once they are seated in place just before starting the examination. In order to evaluate the effects of these activities, a survey was conducted. The sample used was compounded by 154 students with a mean age of 21.75 ± 5.32 years (116 women and 38 men) from the two degrees of Nursing (92) and Podiatry (62) from 3 different courses (79, 45 and 30 students of the first, second and fourth course, respectively).
Most of the surveyed (4 out of 5) participated in “hugging” (94%) and in “breath control” activities (83%). These activities were carried out at least in 2 exams, although they varied according to the degree and course. Likewise, significant differences were found by sex and age group for “hugging” and by degree for “breath control”, with women being more predisposed to “hugging” as well as those under 23 years of age, while for ”breath control”, podiatry students were the most predisposed. More than half of the students (60%) considered that it was useful on a personal level, although not so much on an academic level (35%). “Breath control” was significantly better valued in the first course (55%) compared to “hugging” (40%). In addition, 3 out of 4 students could perform them on their own and repeat the experience. Students would prefer to repeat the ”breath control” activity rather than the “hugging” activity (59% more).
We conclude that these activities can be positive for the improvement of self-esteem, self-control, and stress management of students, especially in the first course. This would positively influence the completion of their exams, although they perceive it more as a personal improvement.