Psychological distress and fear of Covid-19 in student nurses before clinical placement: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: To determine the degree of psychological distress and fear of COVID-19 experienced by undergraduate student nurses who were about to begin their clinical placements. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 100 second- and third-year undergraduate student nurses of the University of Zaragoza (Spain). Measures included the Fear of COVID-19 Scale and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. Results: Regularly, student nurses did not think of themselves as vulnerable to COVID-19. However, a significant association was observed between the student nurses’ level of psychological distress and cohabiting with relatives or people who were considered vulnerable to the infection (p = 0.035). The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale results revealed a low level of psychological distress in general; the Fear of COVID-19 Scale indicated moderate fear (2.94). Conclusion: Student nurses who lived with their relatives experienced higher levels of stress due to the perceived risk of transmission, but were less fearful of loss of work and income. Anxiety in our sample was associated principally with not knowing their upcoming placement location.

Examining Students’ Online Learning Satisfaction during COVID-19 to Inform Post-Pandemic Program Planning

“…This study indicated that most nursing students were very stressed, and stress levels were negatively associated with satisfaction in online learning. Students’ stress levels, measured 18 months after the pandemic started, were higher than stress levels measured with the same tool in prior studies conducted in the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic [ 27 , 28 ]. Nursing students consistently report higher stress levels than other college students [ 29 ], however, the higher stress levels in the present study may reflect the cumulative and prolonged effects of the transition to online learning, meeting academic expectations, limited socialization, and fear of contagion.…”

Contratación de estudiantes de enfermería en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19 en México. Una respuesta rápida a la emergencia de salud

“…Además de las condiciones laborales precarias, la literatura reporta la escasez o inexistencia de equipo de protección y la falta de recursos para la atención del COVID-19. En Brasil, Subirón-Valera (2022) señala que la conducta de los estudiantes de enfermería que entran a prácticas clínicas generalmente es de confianza y seguridad pero que durante el COVID-19 se observaron mayores niveles de distrés psicológico y miedo 27 . Ramaccioti (2022) reporta para Argentina también la contratación temporal, la falta de equipo de protección y la escasez de recursos 28 .…”

Recruitment of nursing students in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico. A rapid response to the health emergency

“…Besides precarious working conditions, the literature reports the scarcity or non-existence of protective equipment and the lack of resources for COVID-19 care. In Brazil, Subirón-Valera (2022) pointed out that the behavior of nursing students entering clinical practices is generally one of trust and safety, but that higher psychological distress and fear levels were observed 27 during COVID-19. Ramaccioti (2022) also reported temporary hiring, the lack of protective equipment, and scarcity of resources 28 in Argentina.…”