Affiliation:
1. College of Nursing , University of Illinois Chicago , Chicago , IL , USA
2. Institute of Medicine , University of Tsukuba , Tsukuba , Ibaraki , Japan
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
We aimed to synthesize research findings identifying factors associated with mental health in undergraduate nursing students early in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
Seven electronic databases were searched using key terms and subject headings. JBI Critical Appraisal Checklists were used to evaluate research report quality.
Results
Among 23 reports (19 quantitative and four qualitative) meeting inclusion criteria, negative emotional responses to COVID-19 (fear of infection, perceived risk, uncertainty about care/future), negative behavioral responses to COVID-19 (eating behaviors, problematic internet use, insomnia), and negative coping strategies were associated with more adverse mental health symptoms. Conversely, social support, professional identity, preventive behaviors, sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE), and positive coping strategies were related to fewer symptoms.
Conclusions
During a pandemic, undergraduate nursing students require educational support to promote their ability to avoid severe mental health disorders. Also, educators should strengthen students’ professional identity, provide infection prevention knowledge and skills, and supply sufficient PPE.
Subject
Education,General Nursing
Reference51 articles.
1. American College Health Association. National College Health Assessment II: spring 2015 reference group executive summary; 2015. Available from: https://www.acha.org/documents/ncha/NCHA-II_WEB_SPRING_2015_REFERENCE_GROUP_EXECUTIVE_SUMMARY.pdf.
2. Eisenberg, D, Gollust, SE, Golberstein, E, Hefner, JL. Prevalence and correlates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality among university students. Am J Orthopsychiatry 2007;77:534–42. https://doi.org/10.1037/0002-9432.77.4.534.
3. Ma, Z, Wang, D, Zhao, J, Zhu, Y, Zhang, Y, Chen, Z, et al.. Longitudinal associations between multiple mental health problems and suicidal ideation among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Affect Disord 2022;311:425–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2022.05.093.
4. Bartlett, ML, Taylor, H, Nelson, JD. Comparison of mental health characteristics and stress between baccalaureate nursing students and non-nursing students. J Nurs Educ 2016;55:87–90. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20160114-05.
5. Mulyadi, M, Tonapa, SI, Luneto, S, Lin, W, Lee, B. Prevalence of mental health problems and sleep disturbances in nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nurse Educ Pract 2021;57:103228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2021.103228.