Depression, Anxiety and Stress among University Students during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Trinidad and Tobago: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey.

Abstract

Background & Aim: The COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to significantly affect the mental health of Nursing students, as they care for patients during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess the mental health of undergraduate nursing students particularly about depression, anxiety, and stress in a Nursing School in Trinidad and Tobago during the pandemic. Methods: This study was a descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional web-based study in which participants (n=65) were selected via random sampling. The DASS-21 item self-administered questionnaire consisted of questions that assessed the desired variables. Multivariable statistical methods were applied to identify independent predictors for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among the participants. Results: The data showed that a majority of nursing students exhibited extremely severe levels of anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. There was a significantly higher proportion of nursing students with normal depression (n = 65 ; p < 0.05). There was a significantly higher proportion of nursing students with extremely severe anxiety (n = 65 ; p < 0.05). There was a significantly higher proportion of nursing students with normal stress levels (n = 65 ; p < 0.05). There was no significant association between age and depression (p = 0.52). Conclusions: This study aimed to show the psychological impact of COVID-19 such as depression, anxiety, and stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic among university students at the selected University. The findings of this study will help serve as baseline data for policymakers and programmers to develop comprehensive mental health programs to assist individuals in managing the psychological impact of the pandemic on University nursing students.