Prevalence of Procrastination and its Associated Factors with a View to Develop “Task and Time Management Strategies” to Combat Procrastination among Nursing Students

Keshni¹, Aanchal², Afridi Yousuf², Aman Singh², Ankit Rawat², Anureet Kaur², Ather Wani²

¹Professor, Medical Surgical Nursing, SKSS College of Nursing, Sarabha, Ludhiana.

²B.Sc. Nursing 4^th Year Students, Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha College of Nursing, Sarabha, Ludhiana.

*Corresponding Author E-mail: keshni0007@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT:

Background: Procrastination is the act of unnecessarily and voluntarily delaying or postponing something. It is a common human experience involving delays in everyday chores. The importance of assessing the prevalence of procrastination and its associated factors with view to develop “Task and Time Management strategies” to combat procrastination among nursing students are preponderant. Moreover, researches have despite that procrastination tends to be significantly higher among students specially those who have difficulty in time management. Objectives: This study was conducted with an object to assess the prevalence of procrastination and its associated factors with view to develop “Task and Time Management strategies” to combat procrastination among nursing students. Materials and methods: An exploratory study was conducted on 750 nursing students in the year of 2023 in selected nursing institutes of state Punjab. The subjects were selected by using quota sampling technique. Modified Procrastination Assessment Scale – Students given by Linda J. Solomon and Esther D. Rothblum in 1994 for assessing the prevalence of procrastination and its associated factors among nursing students. Data was collected by self report (pen and paper) method. Results: This study revealed that out of 750 students most of the nursing students (mean age ± sd=20.43±1.726) showed moderate level of procrastination i.e., 661(88.1%). Others nursing students have 89 (11.9%) have mild procrastination. In reasons for procrastination majority i.e., 90 (12%) of nursing students gave the reason that they had too many other things to do while 77(10.3%) of nursing students procrastinate due to fear of having bad grades. The significant difference between the prevalence of procrastination and socio demographic variables found to be significance with the gender (p=.000), birth order(p=.002). Conclusion: It has been concluded that the most of the students were found to have moderate procrastination and the major reason for procrastination is that nursing students do not want to face the problems as a result of their avoidance they suffer from more stress and anxiety. Gender and birth order have significant association with prevalence of procrastination. Nursing students need to manage time and divide their tasks according to the priority.

KEYWORDS: Prevalence, Associated Factors, Time and Task Management Strategies, Nursing Students.

INTRODUCTION:

Procrastination is the act of unnecessarily and voluntarily delaying or postponing something. It is a common human experience involving delays in everyday chores or even putting off important tasks such as attending an appointment, submitting an assignment, or broaching a stressful issue with a partner etc. We've all struggled with procrastination at some point or another.¹

Student procrastination is a common challenge that many individuals face during their academic journey. It involves the act of delaying tasks or assignments that require immediate attention. This habit often stems from factors like poor time management, lack of motivation, and a tendency to prioritize short-term gratification over long-term goals. Students may find themselves putting off studying, completing assignments, or preparing for exams until the last minute, which can lead to increased stress, lower quality of work, and missed learning opportunities. Overcoming student procrastination typically involves developing effective time management skills, setting realistic goals, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and finding ways to stay motivated and focused on the end goals of education.¹

The effects of procrastination can be detrimental and far-reaching. Individuals who consistently postpone tasks often experience heightened stress and anxiety as deadlines approach, impacting their overall mental well-being. Additionally, procrastination can lead to a decline in the quality of work produced, as rushed efforts may not reflect one's true potential. This behavior can also hinder personal growth and skill development, as delayed tasks prevent the opportunity for continuous learning and improvement. Procrastination can strain relationships, especially in group projects or work environments, where delayed contributions can affect the team's progress. Moreover, chronic procrastination can have long-term consequences, affecting academic and professional achievements. Overcoming this habit requires a combination of self-awareness, effective time management strategies, and the cultivation of discipline and motivation.²

NEED OF STUDY:

Procrastination is a prevalent phenomenon that transcends various aspects of life and is particularly prominent in academic and professional settings. Studies have shown that a significant portion of individuals, regardless of age or occupation, grapple with procrastination to some degree. In educational contexts, students often struggle with delaying assignments, studying, or exam preparation, while in the workplace, employees may postpone tasks, meetings, or projects. The widespread availability of digital distractions and the allure of instant gratification through technology have further exacerbated the prevalence of procrastination.³

With the fast-paced nature of modern life, it is crucial to recognize and address this issue through strategies that promote effective time management, self-discipline, and the cultivation of a proactive mindset. Students who procrastinate tend to have high levels of anxiety as well as poor impulse control and is even linked to physical illness.⁴ Therefore, the study has been conducted to assess prevalence of procrastination with a view to develop “task and time management strategies” to combat procrastination among nursing students.

AIM:

To assess prevalence of procrastination and its associated factors with a view to develop “task and time Management strategies” to combat procrastination among nursing students.

OBJECTIVES:

1. To assess prevalence of procrastination among nursing students.

2. To explore associated factors of procrastination among nursing students.

3. To find out association of prevalence of procrastination and its associated factors with selected socio-demographic variables among nursing students.

4. To develop “Task and Time Management Strategies” to combat procrastination among nursing students.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE:

Jose J.P. and Qasim S.H. (2022) examined academic procrastination among undergraduates studying in a college. The Academic Procrastination Scale by Savita Gupta and Liyaqat Bashir (2018) was used to quantify student procrastination. This study includes 684 college students (male and female) from urban and rural areas. It appears that urban students procrastinate more academically than rural students. Urban students may procrastinate more owing to social media exposure, which may make them less focused on schoolwork.⁵

Deenadearlova P et al. (2021) examined academic procrastination among Mulawarman University Medicine Faculty students. Purposive sampling was used to identify respondents for this descriptive observational study. The responders were 216 Medicine Faculty students from 2018, 2019, and 2020. The questionnaire provided main data. Academic procrastination was 55.1% higher than average.⁶

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

Research approach:

A quantitative research approach was used to collect data on prevalence of procrastination and its associated factors.

Research design:

Exploratory (Non-experimental) research design was used to assess the prevalence of procrastination and its associated factors with a view to develop “Task and Time management strategies” to overcome procrastination.

Sample and sampling technique:

Quota sampling technique was used to select 750 nursing students studying in selected Nursing Institutes of state Punjab.

Research setting:

The present study was conducted in of SKSS College of Nursing Sarabha, Ludhiana, Nightingale College of Nursing Narangwal, Ludhiana, Mohan Dai Oswal College of Nursing, Ludhiana, SPHE College of Nursing, Mohali, SGRD Nursing College, Amritsar, Khalsa College of Nursing, Amritsar.

Inclusion and Exclusion criteria:

Inclusion criteria: Nursing students:

Studying in:

· SKSS College of Nursing Sarabha, Ludhiana

· Nightingale College of Nursing, Narangwal, Ludhiana

· Mohan Dai Oswal College, Ludhiana

· SPHE College of Nursing, Mohali

· SGRD Nursing College, Amritsar

· Khalsa College, Amritsar

Who were available during data collection?

Exclusion criteria: Nursing students who:

1. were not willing to participate in the study

2. were uncooperative

3. were having psychiatric disorder diagnosed by a psychiatrist

Data Collection Proforma:

Section A: Sociodemographic Variables: It includes Age, Gender, Religion, Academic year, Type of family, Birth order, Parents education, Occupation of parents and Assignments given by parents.

Section B: Part 1: Modified Procrastination assessment scale: The Modified Procrastination Assessment Scale (PAS) by Linda J. Solomon and Esther D. Rothblum in 1994 was used to assess the level of procrastination.

TABLE 1: Criterion measure:

Level of Procrastination	Score
Severe	81-90
Moderate	37-80
Mild	19-36
No	≥18

Part 2: Structured scale to find out Reasons for procrastination

Validity of Research tool(s):

The content validity of the tool has been checked by consulting guide and co-guides regarding the content and language of the tool. Experts from the field of nursing and research have been consulted to construct appropriate tool for the purpose of data collection.

Data management and Analysis:

Once students were enrolled to the study, the investigators completed the data collection proformas. The data was entered into Microsoft excel and copied to SPSS (18). Computerized data checks were run on the data. Descriptive and Inferential Statistics has been applied to describe the data and to find out the inference. Significance of effect or difference was established at the level of 0.05.

RESEARCH FINDINGS:

The present study found that out of 750 nursing students, 426 (56.8%) were 17-20 years old, 587 (78.3%) were female, 367 (48.9%) were Sikh, and 309 (41.2%) were pursuing 2^nd year in B.Sc. Nursing. Maximum 476 (63.5%) nursing students belong to nuclear family. By birth order, 354 (47.2%) of the students were first children, 338 (45.1%) of the fathers and 360 (48%) of the mothers were matriculated. Out of total 750 nursing students, 680 (90.7%) were found to have working fathers, and 154 (20.50%) were working mothers. Maximum of the fathers were working as a farmer and mother were working as a teacher. In assignments given by parents, majority 315(42%) of nursing students do not delay the cleaning of room assignment, the majority of nursing students who took some time to do the cooking assignment were 296 (39.5%) and cleaning their room assignment were 315 (42%) followed by nursing students who do not want to do the cloth washing assignment were 103(13.7%) (Table 2)

Out of 750 students most of the students 661(88.1%) have moderate level of procrastination. Others nursing students have 89 (11.9%) have mild procrastination. (Table 3, figure 3)

In reasons for procrastination majority i.e., 90 (12%) of nursing students gave the reason that they had too many other things to do while 77(10.3%) feel fear of having bad grades. (Table 4)

The significant difference between the prevalence of procrastination and socio demographic variables found to be significance with the gender, birth order. ( Table 5)

CONCLUSION:

It has been concluded that the most of the students were found to have moderate procrastination and the major reason for procrastination is that nursing students do not want to face the problems as a result of their avoidance they suffer from more stress and anxiety. Gender and birth order have significant association with prevalence of procrastination. Nursing students need to manage time and divide their tasks according to the priority and need to learn task Management skills.

Table 1: Prevalence of Procrastination N =750

Level of prevalence	Scores	Prevalence f (%)
Severe	81-90	0(0)
Moderate	37-80	661(88.1)
Mild	19-36	89(11.9)
No	≥18	0(0)

Figure 1: Prevalanec of Procastination among Nursing Students

REFRENCES:

1. Introduction of Procrastination [internet]. Ipc-mn.com Available from:http://surl.li/kuojv

2. Effects of Procrastination [internet]. www.opal.so Available from : http://surl.li/kuoip

4. Jiao Q.G., DaRos-Voseles D.A., Collins K.M., Onwuegbuzie A.J. Academic procrastination and the performance of graduate-level cooperative groups in research methods courses. Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. 2022; 11(1): 119-38. Available from: https://www.frontiersin.org/ journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.783570/full

5. Reasons for Procrastination [internet]. Solvingprocrastination.com Available from: https://solvingprocrastination.com/student-procrastination/#

6. Jose J.P., Qasim S.H. Academic Procrastination Among Undergraduate Students of Prayagraj. International Journal of Research and Social Sciences. 2022; 12(7): 2249-2496.

7. Daryani D.P., Nugrahayu E.Y., Sulistiawati. The prevalence of Academic Procrastination among students at Medicine Faculty Mulawarman University. Jurnal Ilmu Keseshatan. 2021; 9(2): 118-26.

Received on 13.06.2024 Modified on 18.07.2024

DOI: 10.52711/2454-2652.2024.00029