THE IMPACT OF MENTAL HEALTH, SUBJECTIVE HAPPINESS AND RELIGIOUS COPING ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF NURSING STUDENTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of psychological distress and religious coping in quality of life of nursing students during the second wave of the pandemic in Greece. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among nursing students. Data were collected via an e-survey consisting of five parts including HADS Questionary, SF-36, B-RCOPE and Subjective Happiness scale. Results: From the total of 200 nursing students the 86.5% were female, 35.5% were in their first year of study, 54% were single and 65.5 were urban residents. 51.9% of the students were experiencing anxiety and 31,5% were depressed. In regard to subjective happiness, the mean value was 4.51±1.27. In addition, the majority of the students consider themselves unhappy (67.5%). Finally, in regard to SF-36 scores, we observed that PCS mean score was 68.49±13.19, MCS56.12±24.23. Depression, as well as negative religious coping, can have a negative effect on both physical and mental health components of quality of life. Conclusions: Nursing students experience very high levels of stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic and need support and guidance to better manage stress and fear in this unusual situation.