COVID-19 Experiences and Mental Health Among Graduate and Undergraduate Nursing Students in Los Angeles

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Nurses and nursing students are at risk for negative mental health as a result of significant work stressors from the COVID-19 pandemic. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to (1) describe the mental health of nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) investigate relationships between stressful COVID-19 experiences and mental health, and (3) examine correlates of mental health service use. METHOD: This observational study used a web-based survey to assess COVID-19 experiences, self-reported mental health, and mental health service utilization among nursing students in Los Angeles in spring 2021 ( N = 174, 30.1% response rate). The survey used measures of stressful COVID-19 experiences (personal COVID-19 illness, hospitalization of close friends or family, and death of close friends or family), loneliness, resilience, depression, anxiety, COVID-19-related traumatic stress, and utilization of campus and noncampus mental health services. RESULTS: Students had high levels of depression (30%), anxiety (38%), and traumatic stress (30%). There was no relationship between stressful COVID-19 experiences and mental health, but loneliness was associated with higher odds of mental health problems and resilience with lower odds. Mental health problems were not associated with use of campus or noncampus mental health services. Students with primary caregiving responsibilities ( OR = 0.22, 95% CI [0.05, 0.87]) and students who identified as Asian/Pacific Islander ( OR = 0.24, 95% CI [0.09, 0.70]) had lower odds of mental health service utilization. CONCLUSIONS: Resilience and loneliness affect nursing student risk for negative mental health as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Targeted, accessible mental health support within nursing education programs may be warranted.