The determination of the perceived stress levels and health-protective behaviors of nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Fatma Ersin; Mert Kartal

doi:10.1111/ppc.12636

The determination of the perceived stress levels and health-protective behaviors of nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Perspect Psychiatr Care. 2020 Oct 8;57(2):929-935. doi: 10.1111/ppc.12636. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Fatma Ersin¹, Mert Kartal²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Harran University, Sanliurfa, Turkey.
² Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Harran University, Sanliurfa, Turkey.

Abstract

Purpose: The study was carried out to determine the perceived stress levels and health-protective behaviors of nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design and methods: This study used a descriptive design. The sample consisted of a total of 372 students.

Findings: The examination of the protective measures adopted by the students against COVID-19 indicated that the mean perceived stress subscale scores of the students who did not use a mask and disposable wipes when coughing/sneezing were statistically significantly higher (p < .005).

Practice implications: The stress levels of students should be determined at certain intervals, and interventional studies on coping methods that will reduce stress levels should be planned.

Keywords: health‐protective behaviors; nursing students; perceived stress.