Abstract
Background
Mental health is a critical aspect of well-being, especially among undergraduate nursing students. Nursing students face unique stressors that can impact their mental health. This study aimed to determine the of anxiety and depression level among undergraduate nursing students at Chattogram International Nursing College (CINC) in Bangladesh.
Methods
A cross-sectional study design was employed, and data were collected using an online questionnaire (google form) that included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Convenience sampling was used to select 120 BSc Nursing students aged over 18 years. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25.
Results
The majority of participants were female (88.3%), and the mean age was 20.47 years. The prevalence of anxiety was 66.0%, with 28.0% scoring in the normal range, 28.0% in the borderline abnormal range, and 38.0% in the abnormal range. For depression, 59.2% scored in the normal range, 22.4% in the borderline abnormal range, and 18.4% in the abnormal range. Pearson correlation test showed gender was significantly associated with anxiety (p = 0.004), while no significant associations were found between depression and gender, academic qualifications, contagious disease status, or close family members' infection status.
Conclusion
This study highlights a significant burden of anxiety among undergraduate nursing students at CINC, with a substantial proportion experiencing abnormal levels of anxiety. The findings underscore the importance of addressing mental health issues among nursing students and implementing strategies to promote their mental well-being.