Psychological preparedness for pandemic (COVID-19) management: Perceptions of nurses and nursing students in India

Abstract

Introduction: The growing COVID-19 pandemic has posed a great threat to millions of people worldwide. Nurses and nursing students are an important group of health professionals who are most likely to face many challenges in this unprecedented scenario. The present study aimed at exploring the perception of nurses and nursing students regarding psychological preparedness for the pandemic (COVID-19) management. Materials & Methods: The study employed a quantitative cross-sectional online survey research design. Purposive sampling was used with an attempt to represent the entire nurses (i.e. nursing officers, nurse administrators and nursing teachers) and nursing students group of India. The survey link was shared to their email ID and they were invited to participate in the study. Data were collected using Psychological Preparedness for Disaster Threat Scale (PPDTS)-Modified, General Self Efficacy (GSE) Scale, Optimism Scale and Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRS). Totally 685 responses were received and 676 forms were completed which were analyzed using SPSS software (version 24). Results: The mean age of the subjects was 31.72 (SD=9.58) years. Around 20% of the subjects previously had some kind of psychological training and 4% of the subjects had taken care of persons with COVID-19. Findings revealed that mean score for PPDTS, GSE, BRCS and Optimism was 73.44 (SD=10.82, 33.19 (SD=5.23), 16.79 (SD=2.73) and 9.61 (SD=2.26) respectively indicating that the subjects had moderate level of psychological preparedness, self-efficacy and resilience but higher level of optimism. Psychological preparedness, self-efficacy, optimism and resilience were positively correlated to each other. Self- efficacy, optimism, and resilience emerged as predictors of psychological preparedness. Conclusion: The findings suggested that self-efficacy, optimism and resilience can be considered as predictors for psychological preparedness in pandemic management. Appropriate training could influence self-efficacy while programs addressing resilience and coping may strengthen psychological preparedness which can help in further management of ongoing pandemic.

The mediating role of emotional intelligence between self-efficacy and resilience in Chinese secondary vocational students

“…This study provides evidence that higher levels of general self-efficacy predict higher levels of resilience, which is consistent with previous research findings ( 40 , 41 ). Specifically, based on the results of previous studies and this study on secondary vocational school students, we determined that self-efficacy has a positive impact on the resilience of secondary vocational school students.…”

“…Specifically, based on the results of previous studies and this study on secondary vocational school students, we determined that self-efficacy has a positive impact on the resilience of secondary vocational school students. Students with high levels of self-efficacy tend to be confident about their abilities and resources for overcoming challenges ( 23 ) and tend to develop different resilient behavioral responses to cope with stress and other negative experiences ( 40 ).…”

Coping strategies, optimism, and resilience factors associated with mental health outcomes among medical residents exposed to coronavirus disease 2019 in Qatar

“…A Swedish study among pediatric oncologists in 2009 showed that links were found between their level of optimism and experience, and their optimistic attitude was helpful for their resilience (Stenmarker et al., 2009). An Indian study among nurses performed during COVID‐19 pandemic indicated that psychological preparedness, self‐efficacy, resilience, and optimism were higher among the nursing faculty and administrators than the students, and it was explained by that the lack in these areas for the younger student might improve with age and work experience (Gandhi et al., 2020).…”

“…Therefore, the implementation by residency programs of several interventions that enhance the coping mechanisms is required. For instance, psychological preparedness, mindfulness, communication, and social support have been shown efficient strategies to reinforce resilience and optimism (Dougall et al., 2001; Gandhi et al., 2020; Rosenzweig et al., 2003; World Health Organization, 2009).…”

Development and evaluation of a training of trainers intervention for nursing professionals during COVID-19 pandemic in India

“… 5 , 6 Effective professional and self-care practices would enhance their psychological preparedness, and aid in better patient care. 7 , 8 …”