Methods: The population of the study, conducted with pretest/posttest quasi-experimental design, consisted of 299 students who were studying in the first and fourth grades of a primary school located in Istanbul in 2015 (N=1083), had nail biting (n=339), and were voluntary to participate in the study, and whose parents gave consent. The data of the study was collected by using the questionnaire of descriptive information and independent variables, “schedule for follow-up of the nail biting behavior”, and the photographs of hands.
Process of the Program “Don’t Bite Your Nails, Cut Them”;
- First Stage; the students and teachers were informed about the purpose and the process of the program. The students’ nails were assessed in the classroom and those with nail biting behavior were determined. These students and their parents were invited for participation in the program.
- Second Stage; The data collection forms were applied on the students and their parents. The schedule for follow-up of the nail biting behavior was delivered to them and the photographs of their hands were taken.
- Third Stage; A training on nail biting behavior was provided to the students and their parents and brochures were delivered.
- Fourth Stage; The changes in the nurse students’ nails were compared by examining a former photograph taken once a week and counselling was provided by making assessment according to schedule for follow-up of the nail biting behavior.
- Fifth Stage: The posttest was applied.
- Impressions; After the posttest, the students were followed up with the schedule for follow-up of the nail biting behavior and photographs three times. The successful students were given certificates.
The data of the study were evaluated by using descriptive statistics (numbers, percentages) and Mc-Nemar Test.
Results: When the pretest and the third follow-up were compared as a result of the program “Don’t Bite Your Nails, Cut Them”, it was observed that those not biting their nails today increased from 32.1% to 78.2% and those cutting their nails increased from 0.66 to 81.9% (p<0.001). Those picking and removing their nails decreased from 66.2% to %22.4, and those picking and biting their nails decreased from 61.2% to 7.6%, and those picking and removing only their cuticle decreased from 64.8% to 14.7% in a statistically significant manner (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The program “Don’t Bite Your Nails, Cut Them” had a positive effect in decreasing the nail biting of students. It can be recommended for the school nurses to implement the program.