Psychological responses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic among undergraduate nursing students at the University of Johannesburg

Abstract: Background The problem statement identified for this research study concerns the insufficient knowledge regarding the covid-19 pandemic and its psychological responses on the undergraduate nursing students at the University of Johannesburg. Aim This study aimed to explore the psychological effects concerning depression, anxiety and stress during the coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic among undergraduate nursing students at the University of Johannesburg. Research Methodology This study was a quantitative explorative study that was conducted among undergraduate nursing students at the University of Johannesburg. The sample consisted of 127 undergraduate nursing students (1st to 4th years) that participated in this survey. This made use of a contextual survey which was an online anonymous questionnaire using Question Pro. After permission from the relevant departments was obtained to use the students the survey link along with the information letter were sent out to the class representatives to distribute the survey to the students. The online questionnaire was used to collect data, the data was then analysed by the researcher with the help of the Statkon department at the University of Johannesburg. Results and Discussion It was concluded that during the covid-19 pandemic the prevalence of depression and anxiety was within the “mild” ranges and the prevalence of stress was within the “normal” ranges for the undergraduate nursing students at the University of Johannesburg. The DASS-42 severity rating scale was used as the method of measurement, the data also revealed that the males had slightly higher values for depression and anxiety compared to females, however, the data was still within the “mild” range for both groups regardless of gender, academic year and financial situation. Conclusion and Recommendations According to the results obtained, no significant psychological impairment was noted, however, mental health is an issue that affects all students regardless of the situation, and therefore promoting mental health is essential to maintain the well-being of the students. Further research is necessary to determine the long term vii effect of the covid-19 pandemic on the psychological health of undergraduate nursing students and expanding the research to nursing students from different universities in South Africa.M.Tech. (Chiropractic