Effect of perceived social support on stress, anxiety and depression among Nepalese nursing students

Abstract

High levels of stress, anxiety and depression can adversely influence physical health, psychological well-being, academic and clinical performance of the nursing students. Social support serves as a buffer against life stressors and improves individuals' psychological well-being. The aim of this quantitative cross-sectional study was to examine the effect of perceived social support on stress, anxiety and depression among Nepalese nursing students. A descriptive cross-sectional study was done among 680 female nursing students enrolled for Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in nine colleges in Kathmandu valley. Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 was used to assess the levels of depression, anxiety and stress, whereas perceived social support was measured using Multidimensional Scale for Perceived Social Support. About half the proportion of students reported moderate to extremely severe levels of stress (47%). Majority reported moderate to extreme anxiety (72.9%) and depression (51.7%). Most students perceived high-level social support (68.9%) from family, friends and significant others. A one-way multivariate analysis of variance revealed that perceived social support had a significant effect on stress, anxiety and depression among Nepalese nursing students (Wilks' ƛ = 0.97, F (3, 676) = 8.1, P 0. 000). A discriminant analysis indicated that depression demonstrated the strongest relationship (0.95) with perceived social support contributing to the significant overall effect. The study revealed a strong relationship of perceived social support with stress, anxiety and depression among nursing students. Although most students reported high level of perceived social support, they experienced high levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Hence, the college administration should take the initiative to introduce and implement periodic mental health screening, counselling and referral services.