Original Research Article
Year: 2020 | Month: April-June | Volume: 5 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 280-288
A Study to Assess the Perceived Stress and Coping Strategies among B.Sc. Nursing Students of Selected Colleges in Pune during COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown
Deepika Sheroun1, Dapple D Wankhar2, Amita Devrani3, Lissamma PV4, S Gita5, Keka Chatterjee6
1MSc Nursing Student (Psychiatric Nursing), Department of Psychiatric Nursing, College of Nursing , AFMC -Pune -40
2Asst Professor (Psychiatry Nursing), Department of Psychiatric Nursing, College of Nursing, AFMC, Pune -40.
3Principal and HoD Department of Child Health Nursing, College of Nursing, AFMC Pune -40
4Professor and Vice Principal, College of Nursing , AFMC Pune-40
5Professor and HoD, Department of Med &Surg Nursing , College of Nursing, AFMC , Pune-40 .
6Asst Professor , Department of Obs & Gynae Nursing, College of Nursing, AFMC , Pune -40.
Corresponding Author: Deepika Sheroun
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The global pandemic has proven to be challenging for students in more ways than one. Ever since in-person classes moved online and “Stay Home Stay Safe” executive order was implemented; many students have faced a distressing change in their employment status. The present study aimed to assess perceived stress and coping strategies amidst the COVID 19 lockdown, among the BSc Nursing students studying in nursing colleges located in Pune
Objectives: The objectives of the study are to assess the perceived stress and coping strategies of the BSc Nursing students of all batches in regard to COVID 19 lockdown, and to determine the association of stress and coping with selected demographic variables.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional online study was undertaken from 15th to 20th of May 2020. Participants were BSc Nursing Students (1st -4th year), whose perceived stress and coping strategies related to COVID 19, were assessed using an online questionnaire. The tool has 3 sections consisting of demographic data as section A, Perceived Stress Scale as Section B, and Coping Strategies Scale as section C. Score was categorised into three parts as good, moderate and low
Results: A total of 427 nursing students completed the questionnaire. Male students had more perceived stress score (22.73) than female students (21.86). Majority of participants were between 21-25 years. The maximum mean perceived stress score (22.56) was observed in 4th year students, and least mean perceived stress score (20.20) was found in 2nd year students. On the whole the maximum mean coping score (78.45) was found among 1st years and least coping score (71.23) was found among 4th year BSc Nursing students
Conclusion: The present study indicates moderate level of perceived stress with mean perceived stress score of the students Nurses being 21.88 (+4.30) and the mean coping strategies score was 74.38 (+12.30). The IV Year Nursing students has the highest stress score with a mean of 22.56 ± 4.207. Hence there is a need to take measures by the authorities to reduce stress among the students.
Keywords: COVID 19, Pandemic, Perceived Stress, Coping Strategies, Nursing Students, Psychological support