Stress, mental health, and protective factors in nursing students: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: Nursing students suffer high levels of stress, especially in the first year. OBJECTIVES: to compare academic stress at the beginning and end of nursing studies; to analyse the relationships between academic stress, mental health, and protective factors; and to examine whether resilience mitigates the effect of academic stress on psychological well-being. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Sample was 370 first- and fourth-year nursing students from Spain (University of Castilla-La Mancha, University of Cantabria, and University of Sevilla). VARIABLES AND DATA COLLECTION: We assessed academic and clinical stress, coping skills, anxiety, depression, psychological well-being, and resilience were measured. DATA ANALYSIS: We performed a descriptive analysis of the study sample, as well as correlation and hierarchical regression models. Additionally, mediation models were estimated. RESULTS: First-year students presented higher academic stress than fourth-year students. Clinical stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional coping predicted academic stress, while academic stress, depression, and coping skills predicted psychological well-being. Mediation models showed a significant path between academic stress, resilience, depression, and psychological well-being. CONCLUSION: Academic stress has a detrimental effect on the mental health. Coping strategies and resilience may be protective factors that should be encouraged in interventions designed to improve psychological well-being.

Cross-cultural evaluation of the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire: a systematic review.

This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis and in-depth analysis of the quality of the different cross-cultural versions of the MHQ. This study was conducted using Pubmed, Web of Science, CINAHL and SCOPUS databases to identify cross-cultural validation studies of the MHQ. Methodological quality, quality of evidence and criteria for good measurement properties of these studies were applied for each psychometric property. Quality assessment and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers according to the COnsensus-based Standards for selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines. A total of 493 articles were identified, of which 22 were included and 20 were analysed.Of the six properties analysed, responsiveness and hypothesis testing for construct validity had the highest methodological quality and quality of evidence, and met the criteria for good measurement properties. The lowest quality properties were measurement error and internal consistency. The different cross-cultural versions of the MHQ were found to be reliable, valid and able to detect clinical change. The lack of development of measurement error, formulation of an a priori hypothesis or structural validity affects the detection of small clinical changes and their discriminative capacity.

Pharmaceutical cost savings from the treatment of oncology patients in clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was twofold: to assess the annual pharmaceutical savings associated with the treatment of cancer patients at Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital and to estimate the cost of innovative antineoplastic therapies that patients receive as experimental treatment, both during clinical trials throughout 2020. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational and financial analysis of the drug cost related to clinical trials was applied. Direct cost savings to the Regional Health System of Cantabria and the cost of innovative therapies used as an experimental treatment in clinical trials were quantified. RESULTS: This study includes 38 clinical trials with a sample of 101 patients. The clinical trials analyzed provide a total cost savings of €603,350.21 and an average cost saving of €6,630.22 per patient. Furthermore, the total investment amounts to €789,892.67, with an average investment of €15,488.09 per patient. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical trials are essential for the advancement of science. Furthermore, clinical trials can be a significant source of income for both hospitals and Regional Health Systems, contributing to their financial sustainability.

Impact of the Pandemic on Dementia Care and Caregivers: A Qualitative Study.

Physical distancing measures to limit contagion in the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult to care for older persons with dementia. Non-essential home visits were prevented and family caregivers took over most of their care. The aim of our study was to describe the lived experience of peoples living with dementia caregivers during the pandemic regarding the care provided and the person cared for. A qualitative phenomenological design was used. Participants were recruited using purposeful sampling. Informants were selected from primary healthcare centers, day centers, and a community mental health unit. The study participants comprised 21 caregivers. Semi-structured in-depth interviews by telephone were used, and field notes were collected from the researchers. A thematic analysis was conducted. The criteria used to control trustworthiness were credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. Three main themes and six related sub-themes were identified: (1) care for the person with dementia during the pandemic, including lockdown, associated with difficulties in coping with restrictions, deterioration in health, and the impact of the closure of health and social resources; (2) health and social care provided to people with dementia after the disruptions and the care received from primary care prior to hospital or residential admission; and (3) the caregiver's perspective on the effects of the psycho-emotional impact, and coping strategies adopted in caring. Interventions for people with dementia should be planned in order to prevent the worsening of their health and cognitive status, while also developing programs to prevent stress and alleviate caregiver burden in case of health crises.

Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, validity and responsiveness of the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ-Sp) in Spain.

BACKGROUND: The Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) is a self-report tool widely recognized for measuring the health status of patients with hand and wrist problems from a multidimensional perspective. The aim of this study is to translate and culturally adapt the MHQ and validate its psychometric properties of validity, reliability, and responsiveness for different hand problems in Spain. METHODS: The MHQ was translated and culturally adapted following the recommendations of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The validation process adhered to the current Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Status Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) group and was conducted on 262 hand patients. Reliability was assessed through internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha. The study evaluated the test-retest reliability of the measurements using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Additionally, the measurement error was calculated using the standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest detectable change (SDC). To assess the structural validity, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was employed, while construct validity was evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Finally, responsiveness was assessed using effect size (ES), standardized response mean (SRM), and minimum clinically important difference (MCID). RESULTS: The reliability of the test was confirmed through internal consistency analysis, with a good Crombach's Alpha (0.82-0.85), and test-retest analysis, with good values of ICC (0.74-0.91). The measurement error was also assessed, with low values of SEM (1.70-4.67) and SDC (4.71-12.94)). The CFA confirmed the unidimensionality of each scale with goodness of fit indices, while the MHQ showed a high and negative correlation with DASH (r = - 0.75, P < 0.001) and DASH-work (r = - 0.63, P < 0.001) and was irrelevant with EQ-5D (r = - 0.01, P > 0.005) and grip strength (r = 0.05, P > 0.005). At week 5, all 222 patients across the three diagnosed hand subgroups showed moderate to high values above 0.92 for ES and SRM, with one MCID above 6.85. CONCLUSIONS: The MHQ-Sp was culturally adapted, and the results of this version showed good reliability and validity as well as high responsiveness for a wide range of hand conditions after surgical or conservative treatment in Spain.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Scale of the Nursing Work Index With Nurses From Seven Countries.

Background and Purpose: The aims of this study are as follows: to adapt and validate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index (PES-NWI) adapted to the nursing home environment across seven Spanish-speaking countries and to cross-culturally adapt the Scale of the Nursing Work Index with nurses from seven countries. Methods: Adaptation process and psychometric validation of the instrument included translation and back-translation, content validity, test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity. Results: A total of 134 nursing homes belonging to the same religious order were randomly selected from seven Spanish-speaking countries with a sample of 378 nurses. The exploratory factor analysis explained a five-factor structure (56% of the explained variance) with adequate goodness-of-fit indices in the final factor solution. Conclusions: The validation process indicates that the Spanish language version of the PES-NWI with five factors and 31 items, for long-term care facilities for the elderly, is valid and reliable in its current version and can be used to measure the environment of nurses working in clinical practice in Spanish-speaking nursing homes.

Exploring older people's experiences of the interpersonal care relationship between nurses and patients during hospitalization in the pandemic period: A qualitative study.

AIM: This article presents the findings of a qualitative study focusing on the experiences of people aged over 70 years in the interpersonal nurse-patient care relationship in hospital settings during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim was to analyse different aspects of this relationship, including nurses' behaviour and caring attitudes, the person-centred model of care, patients' involvement in their own care and communication in the hospital context. DESIGN: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted on the basis of an interpretative framework. METHODS: Six focus groups were conducted. A total of 34 participants were purposively recruited from three nursing homes in Spain, Italy and Portugal. Specific inclusion criteria were used to select participants. RESULTS: Five main categories were identified. Analysis revealed the importance of empathy and sensitivity in caring relationships, as well as the need for personalized and patient-centred care. The importance of effective communication and recognition of ageist behaviour by professionals was highlighted. In addition, independent of the pandemic, situational factors in the hospital environment were identified that influence the interpersonal care relationship. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the need to promote a person-centred model of care that takes into account the specific preferences and needs of older people. This is achieved by identifying elements of the interpersonal nurse-patient relationship. In addition to highlighting the disparity of opinion regarding an active or passive role in self-care and decision making, the importance of addressing ageism and improving communication is emphasized. WHAT PROBLEM DID THE STUDY ADDRESS?: The importance of the patient-nurse relationship in hospital care has been highlighted in previous studies. Critical elements of the patient care experience have been identified as empathy and effective communication. Ageism in healthcare has been recognized as a potential barrier to patient-centred care. WHAT WERE THE KEY FINDINGS?: The main findings highlight the importance of empathy and personalized care, emphasize the importance of effective communication and address ageist behaviours in the nurse-patient relationship. WHERE AND WHO WILL THE RESEARCH IMPACT?: By highlighting the need for person-centred care and improved communication strategies, particularly in the context of caring for older patients during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, this research will have an impact on healthcare professionals, policy makers and carers. REPORTING METHOD: The COREQ guideline was used. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This study adopted a collaborative approach to ensure that patient perspectives were integrated into the research process. We organized regular focus groups. Patients were actively involved in shaping the research questions, refining the study design and interpreting the emerging findings. Their valuable input helped us to understand the nuances of their experience and to prioritize the aspects that were critical to their well-being. In addition, their insights guided the development of practical recommendations aimed at improving the interpersonal care relationship between nurses and patients in hospital settings, ensuring that their voices were heard and reflected in the proposed interventions. This patient-centred approach fostered a sense of empowerment among the participants. It reinforced the notion that their experiences and opinions are integral to shaping healthcare practice.

Mindfulness-Based Intervention for the Reduction of Compassion Fatigue and Burnout in Nurse Caregivers of Institutionalized Older Persons with Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the mental health of nurses caring for institutionalized older people. Caring in this environment can be complex, with higher levels of burnout and compassion fatigue in staff. It is therefore important to find interventions to increase the well-being of staff. Mindfulness training is known to be effective in treating a variety of physical and mental health conditions. This study sought to conduct a direct evaluation of the effectiveness of a combined online training in two types of mindfulness-based therapies for the reduction of compassion fatigue and burnout in geriatric nurses caring for institutionalized elderly people with dementia. In a randomized controlled trial (n = 39 experimental group, n = 35 control group), we explored whether individuals with high levels of burnout and compassion fatigue would benefit more from an online mindfulness training program. The outcome variable was the ProQoL professional quality of life scale, which was collected at baseline, at six weeks, and at three months after completion of the intervention. Significant differences were found between both groups for the subscales Compassion Fatigue and Burnout (p < 0.05), with a significant improvement in the experimental group (significant effect size). These findings were maintained at three months after the end of the intervention for both compassion fatigue (F1,28 = 18.14, p = 0.003) and burnout (F1,28 = 7.25, p = 0.040). However, there were no differences between groups for the satisfaction subscale. The effect of time and the effects of comparing the two groups after controlling for time were statistically significant for all three subscales of the questionnaire (all p values < 0.001), with effect sizes ranging from small to large (R2 change 0.10-0.47). These data indicate that the experimental condition was more effective, explaining between 10 and 18% more of the variance. A short, online intervention based on mindfulness training appears to be effective for reducing compassion fatigue and burnout in geriatric nurses, with sustained effects over time.

COVID-19 Infection among Nursing Students in Spain: The Risk Perception, Perceived Risk Factors, Coping Style, Preventive Knowledge of the Disease and Sense of Coherence as Psychological Predictor Variables: A Cross Sectional Survey.

The exploration of patterns of health beliefs about COVID-19 among nursing students may be beneficial to identify behaviors, attitudes and knowledge about contagion risk. We sought to analyze the variables of risk perception, perceived risk factors, coping style, sense of coherence and knowledge of preventive measures as possible predictors of having suffered from COVID-19. Participants were nursing students from 13 universities in Spain. Sociodemographic and health variables were collected. To test the independent variables, the Perception Risk Coping Knowledge (PRCK-COVID-19) scale was created and validated because there was no specific survey for young people adapted to the pandemic situation of COVID-19. It was validated with adequate psychometric properties. A total of 1562 students (87.5% female, mean age 21.5 ± 5.7 years) responded. The high perception of the risk of contagion, the high level of knowledge and a coping style focused on the situation were notable. Significant differences by gender were found in the coping styles, problem-focused, avoidance and knowledge scales, with women scoring higher in all categories. The multiple regression analysis was significant (F = 3.68; p < 0.001). The predictor variables were the coping styles subscale search for support and the intrinsic and extrinsic perceived risk factors. Our model predicts that nursing students with a social support-based coping style are at a higher risk of becoming infected with COVID-19, based on their own health belief model.

Self-Care and Sense of Coherence: A Salutogenic Model for Health and Care in Nursing Education.

BACKGROUND: Effective advocacy on self-care and the enhancement of a sense of coherence among nurses don't only benefit control over one's health and personal performance, but it may have a direct impact on clinical care and on the entire healing system. In this regard, nursing curricula grounded on a salutogenic model of health (SMH) operate with strategies to engage students in self-care and contribute to improving their mental health and wellbeing. The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between self-care agency and a sense of coherence as dependent variables and the age and self-reported academic performance as independent variables in nursing assistant students. METHODS: For this cross-sectional study, data were collected from a full sample of 921 Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Spanish students. A self-administered questionnaire, including sociodemographic variables, the 'appraisal of self-care agency' (ASA), and the 'sense of coherence' (SOC) constructs, was administered. RESULTS: Older participants presented significantly stronger values of both constructs. Apart from a significant and positive correlation between ASAS and SOC, ANOVA analyses indicate significant differences in terms of academic performance according to different ASAS and SOC degrees. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study endorse the assumption that there is a consistent relationship between ASA and SOC constructs that might, indeed, have a potential effect on students' academic performance. In practical terms, it seems relevant to try to recognise the students' self-care agency and the sense of coherence as forceful predictive variables of mental health and wellbeing, in addition to academic success as a strength implied in the future career achievement.

Excessive alcohol consumption and binge drinking in college students.

Background: Binge drinking (BD) refers to a pattern of alcohol consumption characterized by the consumption of large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time followed by periods of abstinence. This drinking pattern is prevalent worldwide, mainly among young people. Excessive alcohol consumption is the spectrum of consumption patterns that may have or have had health consequences, and includes the concepts of risky alcohol use, harmful alcohol use and alcohol dependence according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV), the latter two are currently grouped into alcohol use disorder (AUD) according to the fifth edition of the DSM (DSM-5). Due to the high prevalence of BD among young people, especially university students, as well as the important consequences of its practice, a study was conducted to evaluate excessive alcohol consumption and its relationship with the practice of BD in university students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among students (aged 18-30 years) enrolled in the academic year 2018-2019 at the Faculty of Nursing at a university in northern Spain. Data collection included sociodemographic information, and alcohol use information, collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. To measure the excessive alcohol consumption, this study used the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Results: A total of 142 participants were included, of which 88.03% were women. Up to 38.03% were classified as BD. Up to 14.77% of non-BD participants and 66.67% of BD participants were classified as risky drinkers (AUDIT Total geq 8 in men or geq 6 in women) (p < 0.001). Up to 3.41% of the non-BD and 24.07% of the BD were drinkers with harmful alcohol use and probable alcohol dependence (AUDIT Total geq 13) (p < 0.001). A total of 5.68% of non-BD and 42.59% of BD were AUD drinkers (AUDIT Total geq 9 in males or geq 8 in females) (p < 0.001). In addition, statistically significant differences were found between the BD and non-BD groups in the responses to each of the AUDIT items, as well as in the total score and also in the scores of the three domains of the questionnaire. Conclusions: Excessive alcohol consumption is frequent among university students, especially among those who practice BD.

Design and Validation of a Questionnaire on Risk Perception, Coping Behaviors and Preventive Knowledge against COVID-19 among Nursing Students.

As shown in the previous literature, in view of the future responsibilities of nursing professionals and the consequences for healthcare, it is of great interest to examine their risk perceptions, coping behaviors, and sense of coherency during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to design and to validate a specific questionnaire that evaluates the factors relating to perceived risk, coping behaviors, and preventive knowledge against COVID-19 infection among nursing students from Spain. This is a psychometric study of a questionnaire's design and its validation in 1562 nursing students at 16 undergraduate nursing institutions in Spain. An ad-hoc survey was designed by a panel of six experts drawing from the literature. After a trial test, the questionnaire was formed with four scales (perception, risk, coping, and knowledge of preventive practices for COVID-19), with a total of 69 items. The final questionnaire was composed of 52 items grouped into four scales, with good psychometric properties to measure risk perception (Cronbach's alpha 0.735), factors related to perceived risk (Cronbach's alpha 0.653), coping behaviors (Cronbach's alpha 0.80), and knowledge of preventive practices against COVID-19 (Cronbach's alpha 0.77). This questionnaire, specifically designed and validated for nursing students, is the first to address four important areas in the development of preventive measures against COVID-19.

The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Clinical Application of Evidence-Based Practice in Health Science Professionals.

(1) Background: Evidence-based practice (EBP) informs daily clinical interventions with the purpose of seeking changes to traditional practice through scientific evidence that justifies the reasons for our actions. The objectives were to describe the barriers, beliefs, and attitudes in the application of EBP among university health professionals (not doctors) and to evaluate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic among them. (2) Methods: This prospective study is both descriptive and observational. The individuals under study were university health professionals (not doctors) from various autonomous regions within Spain, in both public and private spheres. Sociodemographic and labor-related variables linked to the research and its completion were studied. Likewise, the survey instrument Health Sciences Evidence-Based Practice questionnaire (HS-EBP) was administered to evaluate the barriers to, beliefs in, and attitudes towards evidence-based practice. (3) Results: A total of 716 responses were gathered, of which 387 were collected during the period of confinement, and 343 in the COVID-19 post-confinement period. Possible associations that might help respond to the objectives were explored through a correlational study between the sociodemographic variables and each sub-scale of the HS-EBP 30 questionnaire (n = 716). (4) Conclusions: Barriers to, beliefs in, and attitudes towards evidence-based practice are described. There is a leadership gap where line management provides insufficient motivation to follow work routines. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused immense stress among health professionals. The post-confinement group showed a significant change in the variables "beliefs and attitudes", and likewise in the "evaluation" block, justified by the need to update knowledge and to apply evidence.

Comparison between attention and experiences of chronic complex patients: A multicentric study.

The aim of this research is to explore and analyse the functional status and experiences of complex patients located at levels 3-4 of the risk pyramid of the chronic care model in primary care, within the hospital system of two regions in Spain. The design was a mixed design (COREQ). The participants were enrolled in programs for chronic complex patients and their caregivers. Sociodemographic variables were gathered, together with the following measures: the Barthel test, the Mini mental test, the Zarit questionnaire, the IEXPAC scale and the Braden scale. A semi-structured interview was conducted individually with patients in order to explore their experiences and narrative on the process of their illness and the support they had received. The sample comprised 206 chronic pluripathological patients, of whom 103 were from Cantabria and a further 103 were from Mallorca. The patient profile in both regions was very similar. There was an equal distribution across both gender and the patients were over 78 years old. They all had a basic (primary) education, an average income and required moderate physical dependence, receiving assistance primarily from their children. The qualitative analysis highlighted patients' awareness of the illness and their concern for the future, noting that, overall, patients were satisfied with the care provided by their caregivers and the health system. We can conclude that is the first multicentric study of these characteristics conducted in Spain, despite it being the country with the second largest ageing population in the world. It is important to test new organisational models with differentiating areas of advanced clinical practice in primary care, whereby both patients and their caregivers can be co-responsible within the care process.

Knowledge and attitudes towards living wills among healthcare professionals, residents and relatives in nursing homes: A qualitative study.

Living wills are a tool to support the principle of autonomy in end-of-life situations, when the person does not have the capacity to make decisions. The aim was to explore the knowledge and attitudes of residents, relatives and healthcare professionals in nursing homes in Cantabria regarding living wills. A qualitative phenomenological design was conducted. Two focus groups were held with seven participants in each group. A sample of 14 people participated in this study: four residents, five relatives and five professionals. This study was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Cantabria. Two main categories were found, with six subcategories each: death, with six subcategories-as a social taboo, as a natural process, facing death, accompanying uncertainties, unnecessary lengthening of life and guilt-and living wills, with six subcategories-knowledge, unknowingness or misconceptions, usefulness, strategies to promote dissemination, intention of granting a living will and the professional's role in restricting or promoting autonomy. Unknowingness or misconceptions and uncertainties in relation to death were the most represented subcategories of each category. Although the attitudes among the study participants were mostly positive, there is a lack of knowledge concerning living wills, which is enhanced by the social taboo related to death.

Why Are Spanish Nurses Going to Work Sick? Questionnaire for the Measurement of Presenteeism in Nurses.

Presenteeism is defined as the presence of the worker at their workplace despite not being in optimal physical or mental conditions. Presenteeism is a phenomenon that has been poorly studied in the context of healthcare. Despite the many negative consequences associated with presenteeism, to date, no studies have investigated this issue in nurses in Spain. The objective was to develop and validate a questionnaire on presenteeism to be used by nursing staff in Spain. METHODS: A psychometric study for the development and validation of a questionnaire. The PRESENCA® questionnaire on presenteeism was created by a panel of experts, based on a survey comprised of 31 Likert-type items. RESULTS: In total, 355 nurses completed the questionnaire. The factorial analysis revealed the existence of 3 factors and confirmed appropriate levels of validity and reliability (alpha = 0.729). CONCLUSIONS: The PRESENCA® questionnaire is the first tool developed and validated in Spanish for the assessment of presenteeism in nursing. Our findings demonstrate that this scale has appropriate psychometric properties and its use may facilitate the detection of presenteeism among professionals. As a result, use of this questionnaire may contribute towards the improvement of clinical safety.

Predictive Model of Preventive Behaviors against COVID-19 in the Older Adult: The PREASOC-COVID-19 Study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between COVID-19 preventive behaviors, as the dependent variable, with risk perception, coping style and sense of coherence, as independent variables, in older people living in the community. METHODS: An observational design for predictive model development. This study was reported following the STROBE statement. The subjects were people over 65 years of age living in the community. Data collection included sociodemographic variables related to COVID-19, risk perception and types, coping styles in the face of contagion, sense of coherence, and preventive behaviors in the face of COVID-19. The data collection period was from November 2020 to January 2021. RESULTS: A total of 305 people participated in this study (71.5% women, mean age 71.34 years; 6.9% suffered from COVID-19 and 44.3% knew someone close to them who suffered from the virus). The coping style variables problem-focused, emotion-focused, and sense of coherence subscales Significance and manageability explained 17% of the variable preventive behaviors against COVID-19. There were statistically significant differences by gender in all subscales, with women scoring higher in all of them; Conclusions: Men with low risk perception, extrinsic risk perception, and low sense of coherence presented worse COVID-19 preventive behaviors. It would be interesting to develop specific prevention and health education campaigns for this population.

Relationship of Binge Drinking with Impairments Affecting Memory and Executive Function among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Northern Spain.

Binge drinking (BD) is a common practice among college students. Alcohol consumption may affect brain structures that continue to develop in early adulthood. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship of BD with impairments affecting memory and executive function among university students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among students (aged 18-30 years) enrolled for the academic year 2018-2019 at the Faculty of Nursing of the University of Cantabria (Spain). Data collection included sociodemographic and academic information, together with alcohol and drug use information, collected by means of a semi-structured questionnaire. A battery of validated tests was used to gather neuropsychological variables. A total of 142 participants were included, of which 88.03% were women. Up to 38.03% were classified as BD. No differences were found in memory tests. Regarding executive function, better performance in the Stroop Color and Word Test was observed in non-BD but the results were not statistically significant. In conclusion, no relationship was found between memory and executive function and BD, although better performance in executive function, specifically inhibitory control, was observed in non-BD.