Analysis of stress factors and the level of anxiety and depression among bachelor's degree nursing students – a pilot study

Abstract

Background: Nursing students are affected by stressors related to academic activities and those related to clinical activities. Aim of the study: To analyze the stressors and the level of anxiety and depression among bachelor’s degree students of nursing.Material and methods: An observational study was conducted between July 2023 to February 2024 among 167 bachelor's degree nursing students. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and self-report survey were used.Results: Respondents considered stressors related to learning theoretical subjects (M=3.85, SD=1), stressors related to learning in the practical classes lab in the Medical Simulation Center (M=3.06, SD=1.08), and stressors related to patient care to be the strongest. (M=2.91, SD=0.91) A group of 79 (47.31%) participants had a severe anxiety disorder, 56 respondents (33.53%) had a borderline state of this disorder. A group of 56 (33.53%) had a borderline state of depressive disorders and 42 (25.15%) - severe depressive disorders. The mean score for the presence of anxiety was M=10.43 (SD=3.26) and for depression was M=8.2 (SD=3.42). Conclusions: The lecturers and the decision-makers should take these results into consideration and pay special attention to the stressors that students consider to be the worst. It is recommended that positive coping strategies for stress management be reinforced and that students be encouraged to participate in programs or workshops designed to teach them effective stress management techniques. It is similarly crucial to maintain communication with students, provide them with encouragement and assistance during challenging periods within the academic and clinical settings, and acknowledge and reinforce their strengths.