Exploring Nursing Students’ Perceptions of Mid-Break Snacks: A Descriptive Study

Background: Amid long lectures and clinical demands, nursing students need more than just motivation; they need fuel. While mid-break snacks are known to boost alertness and ease fatigue, little is known about how students themselves perceive the value of these snacks in the academic setting. Aim: This descriptive study aimed to assess nursing students’ perceptions of mid-break snacks, identify commonly consumed snack types, and examine attitudes toward structured snack breaks. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 undergraduate nursing students at the Holy Spirit Institute of Nursing Education. Data were collected via a structured, validated Google Form questionnaire that included demographic details, perception scale items, snack preference checklist, and attitude-based questions. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used for data analysis. Results: • 85% of students agreed that mid-break snacks help maintain energy during lectures, while 78% reported improved concentration. • Fruits (40%) and packaged snacks (35%) were the most preferred snack types. • 82% supported the inclusion of structured snack breaks in the academic schedule. Conclusion: Nursing students view mid-break snacks as beneficial for energy, focus, and learning. The practice is already implemented at our institute, reinforcing its positive impact and potential as a model for other institutions.